PassionateBelievers. Becoming a missional church. Summer Story on page 4

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1 PassionateBelievers A publication of the South Wisconsin District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Summer 2013 Becoming a missional church Story on page 4

2 Summer 2013 / South Wisconsin District LCMS Passionate Believers In this issue: Volume 3, Issue 3 Summer From the president 4 Becoming a missional church 6 Fund raisers by and for our youth 7 Blessed to disciple in many places 8 CUW s School of Pharmacy recruiting fourth class of students 9 My love is music! 10 Bible study: Living Christ-centered lives 11 What s new with LCEF? 12 Mission prayer calendar 13 Around the District 16 Celebrations and events Cover photo: Ron and Mary Kausch of Calvary Lutheran Chapel, and Tom Notbohm of Mount Olive, Madison, focus on their partnership in ministry at a planning retreat. Our Mission The South Wisconsin District empowers life changing ministries of bold, passionate witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Vision In a constantly changing world, the South Wisconsin District discovers, celebrates and advances vibrant models for growing discipleship, missional leaders and church worker wholeness. Our core values Discipleship Community Integrity Diversity Excellence Passionate Believers is a quarterly publication of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod congregations within the South Wisconsin District. It shares stories about our partnership in the gospel and how we work towards maximizing, magnifying, and multiplying the ministry that is done with and through local congregations. If you would like to submit ideas, stories or news for the next publication, please send them to editor@swd.lcms.org by Aug. 15, Congregations receive specified quantities at no cost. An individual subscription sent to your address is $5 per year. To subscribe, call the District Office at ext. 11, or mail check to South Wisconsin District LCMS 8100 W. Capitol Drive Milwaukee, WI (Wisconsin only) Web site: swd.lcms.org Two District grants from LWML The Lutheran Women s Missionary League recently awarded grants for two missions of the South Wisconsin District. These grants resulted from mite box offerings given by the women of our congregations all across our District. One of these grants is the Church Worker Student Aid Grant. This grant of $15,000 now, and another $15,000 next year at this time, will go toward Judy Paulson, president of the student assistance for SWD branch of LWML, presents those students from the a $15,000 Church Worker grant South Wisconsin District to District Pres. John Wille. who are attending one of our LCMS colleges, universities, or seminaries in the pursuit of a degree for any type of church work. The second grant was presented to the People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO). This grant of $12,000 is for ministry to Hindu, Muslim and Sikh women and families. It is intended to conduct mission training workshops in our District congregations, host outreach events for the ethnic communities, purchase and distribute Bibles and Christian resources, travel within Wisconsin to meet and share the Gospel at Receiving the $12,000 grant for the POBLO ministry in Wisconsin from Judy Paulson, are (L to R) Rev. Roger Heintz, Praveen and Priya Manuel, with their son, Aaron Ayush. various ministry sites, and purchase elementary level Christian videos for children. Our District wants all women of the LWML-SWD to know that their gift to these ministries is valued very highly, and will be used to God s glory and the spreading of His Word among all people. 2 Passionate Believers... Changing Life

3 From the President South Wisconsin District LCMS / Summer 2013 Baptized for this moment! Rev. Dr. John C. Wille District President Baptized for this moment! That is the theme for this summer s national LCMS convention that meets in St. Louis, July The theme speaks of vocation. Martin Luther has powerful words about the importance of our living our lives as the children of God. What else is all our work to God whether in the fields, in the garden, in the city, in the house, in war, or in government but just such a child s performance, by which He wants to give His gifts in the fields, at home, and everywhere else? These are the masks of God, behind which He wants to remain concealed and do all things. Luther s Works, Vol. 14, CPH. Now you tell me, when a father goes ahead and washes diapers or performs some other mean task for his child, and someone ridicules him as an effeminate fool though that father is acting in the spirit just described and in Christian faith my dear fellow you tell me, which of the two is most keenly ridiculing the other? God, with all his angels and creatures, is smiling not because that father is washing diapers, but because he is doing so in Christian faith. Those who sneer at him and see only the task but not the faith are ridiculing God with all his creatures, as the biggest fool on earth. Indeed, they are only ridiculing themselves; with all their cleverness they are nothing but devil s fools. Luther s works, Vol. 45. Thus a maidservant who sweeps the floor and milks the cows worships God in a most pleasing manner, as Solomon testifies in Eccl. 9:7 9: Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white; let not oil be lacking on your head. If your heart is sure that the things you do in every place are pleasing to God, you will have no doubt that they are most excellent and saintly. Thus a pupil who listens to his teacher in faith should know that he is performing a golden work. Luther s Works, vol. 8. If you ask a lowly housemaid why she washes dishes or milks the cow, she can say: I know that what I do is pleasing to God, for I have God s word and command. This is a great blessing and a precious treasure of which no one is worthy. A prince should thank God for being able to do work of this kind. It is true that in his position he can also do what God wants, namely, punish the wicked. But when can he perform such a service properly? How rarely it happens! But in this station everything is ordained in such a way that if they do what they are ordered to do, all this is pleasing to God. God does not consider how small the works are; He considers the heart which serves Him with such small works. Luther s works, Vol. 30. Baptized, our highest vocation is that of being a child of God in every station of life where we find ourselves. Our life is a matter of honoring our calling as the people in this time. We do what we do because we are the people of God. We think what we think because we are the people of God. Being that people belonging to God affects the way that we sit in a classroom and the way in which we take a test. Being that people of God affects the way that we behave when we are out with friends or in front of a computer screen. We are that people belonging to God because through the blood of our Lord Jesus, God himself has made us his own. We belong to Him because He has laid claim to us in the precious water of Holy Baptism. He has made us His own to represent Him wherever we are. May our Lord bless us as we honor Him in our vocations! maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries 3

4 Summer 2013 / South Wisconsin District LCMS Christ-centered vocation Becoming a missional church And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:47). Before any decision regarding an activity or event is made, the members of Mount Olive Lutheran Church of Madison ask themselves, Is this activity Missional? and, Will we reach people for Christ if we do this? They have heightened their emphasis on reaching the unchurched and the visitors that walk through their doors with a new focus on being missional. A few years ago, Mount Olive faced an extended pastoral vacancy. The congregation called an intentional interim minister who provided encouragement to move forward in ministry. The interim minister shared scripture verses, led Bible study, and guided discussions about being missional in our daily lives. Through the help of the Holy Spirit, Mount Olive members were increasingly equipped to share Christ with others, further advancing the true purpose of the church. This renewed enthusiasm to reach others with the gospel message guided the Divine Call process for a new full-time pastor. Mount Olive prayerfully searched for a pastor that would joyfully welcome people to Christ. Rev. Jason Zobel accepted the Call to Mount Olive and was installed as their pastor in For several years during this same time period, the congregation wrestled with what to do about its aging church building. Should they remodel? Rebuild? Relocate? After much prayer and many emotion-filled meetings, the congregation made the decision to relocate, providing a new dimension of opportunity to focus on the mission of sharing Christ. In September 2009, Mount Olive moved a mile-and-a-half west into a beautiful building with a gymnasium, many classrooms, ample office and fellowship space, and a remodeled sanctuary. With God s hand guiding the way, Mount Olive overcame the challenges of a long pastoral vacancy and a new location with renewed passion and purpose for sharing the Gospel. God had blessed the congregation in double measure! Mount Olive members then asked, How will God use us, this beautiful building and an energetic new pastor to lead others to Christ? The answers came during a congregational retreat where three focus areas were agreed upon: missional, relational, and excellence in worship. New families have recently joined Mount Olive as the congregation has focused on reaching out to as many people as possible. To reach as many people as possible, Mount Olive now offers worship in two styles every Sunday; traditional and contemporary. Sunday attendance has increased with more people visiting. Members actively seek and greet visitors on Sunday morning to make sure they feel welcome. Many of these visitors return week after week and many have joined the 4 Passionate Believers... Changing Life

5 Christ-centered vocation South Wisconsin District LCMS / Summer 2013 Two congregational planning retreats have been held at Mount Olive producing a very pro-active approach to the mission of Christ in the Madison area. church. Average attendance has risen from about 130 per week in 2009 to 221 per week so far this year. Over 40 people have joined Mount Olive in the past nine months, says Pastor Zobel. A lot of new members especially young families and regular visitors are interested in joining a new member class this summer. At church council meetings, plans for church activities include the neighbors. Bible studies focus on how to share Christ with friends and co-workers. Community groups use the facility for athletic and community events. Mount Olive members are seeing the fruits of being missional. members reaffirmed Mount Olive s vision narrative, first developed three years earlier. It states in part: In five years we can see our sanctuary full of people: long-time members and neighborhood people; students from campus and multiage folks who have heard about Mount Olive. All come together to learn more about Jesus and worship together Our work in God s kingdom is guided by the questions: Is this activity missional? Will we reach people for Jesus if we do this? As a result, the congregation s service in the community has attracted people who want to know more about Jesus People who are invited to worship by friends tend to stay The increase in Bible study offerings and small groups strengthens members faith, enabling them to deeply care for each other and confidently share their faith in their day-to-day lives The preschool continues to grow and the connection between members and preschool families is bearing fruit. In general, more young families in the area attend Mount Olive because of the excellent Sunday school and the commitment to family and youth ministries Recently another opportunity arose for Mount Olive to extend their mission field. Pastor Zobel was asked to serve as the vacancy pastor at Calvary Lutheran Chapel on the University of Wisconsin campus. Mount Olive s congregation embraced the opportunity to learn more about the needs of the campus ministry and to serve the Calvary community. Calvary s music director, Dan Anderson, has now entered the Synod s Specific Ministry Pastor program and was installed as Vicar at Mount Olive and Calvary in February Mount Olive and Calvary Chapel are now partner congregations. Pastor Jason and Vicar Dan preach and teach the Word of God at both congregations. At Calvary Chapel, Mount Olive members assist in providing Sunday meals for students, snacks and volunteers for Campus Welcome Week activities, and volunteers for Calvary International Friendship Center. At Mount Olive, Calvary members teach Sunday school and mid-week education classes. Mount Olive hosts the campus International Christmas Party. A joint congregational retreat initiated new ideas for partnering in mission and ministry. At the retreat, Mount Olive s preschool Christmas program was also an intergenerational worship opportunity with homebound members brought to church by the congregation s Care Team members. This congregation has shown great patience, focus and commitment with a passion for carrying out the mission of the church, even though our other property hasn t sold yet, Pastor Zobel said. I am blessed to serve alongside these precious children of God! maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries 5

6 Spring 2013 / South Wisconsin District LCMS Christ-centered vocation Fund raisers by and for our youth Italian Night is a highlight at Elm Grove Lutheran Church On April 29, 2013 the youth of Elm Grove Lutheran Church (EGL) hosted their 9th annual Italian Dinner. This dinner is the main fund raiser to help Elm Grove youth attend the Higher Things youth conferences. Eight youth and four chaperones attended this June conference held on the campus of the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pa. The Italian Night fund raiser dinner allows the youth to transform the gym into a candlelit Italian restaurant EGL Bistro for the night. It is an event that many congregation members and friends look forward to every year. The youth serve a three-course dinner while the guests listen and dance to the live music performed by two bands; the Martin Luther High School Jazz Ensemble directed by Miss Jessica Kindschi (a Martin Luther alum), and a local band known as One More Time, directed by Sal Cardello. The One More Time band, directed by Sal Cardello, enjoys playing music from the big band era together. They also like to play for EGL s Italian Night, encouraging the high school band members to have a lifetime love of performing. This was my 6th year of coordinating this event, EGL member Karen Clark said, Not that I have that much to do anymore, since the youth are so on top of things! From my perspective, the money is secondary at best in comparison to all the other aspects of fellowship, encouragement, leadership and service to others. Karen says the congregation can t figure out who has more fun; the guests or the hard working youth! For more information on Higher Things, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization (RSO), go to www. higherthings.org. The Martin Luther High School Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jessica Kindschi, entertained the Italian Night dinner guests. This year s dinner was sold out for the first time with an attendance of 164 guests. A total of about $2,000 was raised. Over the years, the dinner has become an excellent opportunity for the youth to exhibit their leadership and organizational skills. Lots of logistics go into this sort of event and every year they rise to the occasion and make it a most memorable evening. They all have learned the lesson of having fun while serving the members of their church family. Immanuel and Berea youth serve up spaghetti a la Italy Berea Lutheran Church in Milwaukee hosted a spaghetti dinner on Feb. 24 with the youth of Berea and Immanuel, Brookfield serving the meal to about 120 guests. The fellowship hall was transformed into an Italian bistro and the money raised will help the youth of both congregations attend the National Youth Gathering in San Antonio, Texas this July. (Go to com to learn more about it.) It was a really nice event, said Pastor Jeff Mueller, who was recently installed as Berea s new pastor. We have three young people going to the National Youth Gathering along with about 25 or so from Immanuel. 6 Passionate Believers... Changing Life

7 Christ-centered vocation South Wisconsin District LCMS / Summer 2013 Blessed to disciple in many places St. John s Lutheran Church, West Bend, is committed to discipling in as many places as possible and takes great joy in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through quality Christ-centered education from six weeks of age through 8th grade. In fact, between parish education and partnering with Living Word Lutheran High School and Concordia University, Mequon, they effectively provide Christ focused education and discipleship training from birth to the grave. To carry out their vision of Discipleship in as Many Places as Possible, St. John s embarked on a stewardship campaign this past fall based on 1 Thess. 3:12 called REACH, May Our Love Increase. The campaign had a threefold purpose To REACH More Lives; To REACH Our Needs; and To REACH Into the Future. It also had two goals: 100% participation and a financial commitment of $3 million. The Lord greatly blessed our efforts and the campaign was wildly successful with 72% of our giving units pledging to support the endeavor. To date $3.36 million has been pledged. On Oct. 28 a massive celebration worship service, dinner, and program took place at the Washington County Fairgrounds to give thanks and praise to God, for He truly has done marvelous things and He continues to do so in West Bend through St. John s. Students assist Mrs. Oldenettel as one of the signed blankets is deposited to keep the ground from freezing at the building site. The Lord continued to uphold them with His mighty hand, as Groth Design Group was hired as architect, and Joseph Schmidt Construction was named as builder of their new Early Childhood Facility which will double the number of children they can serve. The new construction will also provide additional classrooms for the current K-8 facility and a resource room for the congregation. The activity began as the playground was cleared and a blanketing event was held on Dec. 8, Groundbreaking of the new center was held on February 21, 2013 and was a highlight of the year for the students. This excitement is reflected in steadily increasing enrollment for the school year. By early January the decision was made to add an additional kindergarten class to accommodate families who desire a Christ centered education for their children. St. John s Early Childhood Center is nearing capacity as well. The new center will be completed by Aug. 1, We thank God for the opportunity that He has provided for us to reach out into the community with the saving message of Jesus Christ through our educational ministries, said Dawn Oldenettel, Administrator. To God be the Glory! Extensive renovations are also happening at the church with the addition of a gathering space, a welcome center and central air in the sanctuary. What an honor and privilege to see the workings of our God first hand, she continued. What joy He brings as He allows us to share the love of Jesus through this new construction as we REACH into the community of West Bend and beyond. Architect s rendering of the new Early Childhood Center by the Groth Design Group. maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries 7

8 Summer 2013 / South Wisconsin District LCMS Christ-centered vocation CUW s School of Pharmacy recruiting fourth class of students Concordia University Wisconsin s School of Pharmacy (CUW- SOP) is only the second pharmacy school in Wisconsin and the only Lutheran-sponsored pharmacy program in North America. The school, now three years old, is actively recruiting its fourth class of future pharmacists who will begin classes this fall. One of the main aspects of the Pharmacy School mission is to prepare compassionate, ethical and knowledgeable pharmacy practitioners by providing a state-of-the-art education that balances service and research. Last fall, the school received a $380,000 three-year, federal prime research grant to study how certain proteins work in bacteria that cause tuberculosis. What is most exciting and humbling about this grant is that it opens doors for a new era for Concordia in terms of our growing research program, noted Dr. Daniel Sem, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences. Sem will be conducting the research in tandem with a University of Wisconsin-La Crosse microbiology professor. We ve assembled an incredibly talented set of Christian faculty and resources and we re looking forward to collaborating with others to build southeast Wisconsin as a drug discovery and development hub, commented Sem. This is an exciting time for professors to begin enhancing their pursuit of knowledge through research directly supported by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and other external sponsors, said Dr. John Dellinger, who serves as Dean of Research within the Pharmacy School. The addition of these laboratories, coupled with recent new grants from the NIH in collaboration with other regional universities, has enabled Concordia to begin negotiating with federal granting officials for an indirect cost rate to assist in the recovery of expenditures related to new investments. Many of our scientists, who are also teaching faculty in our school, are interested in research on orphan diseases and orphan drugs that big pharmaceutical companies have failed to address because those sales markets aren t large enough, remarked Executive Dean Curt Gielow. This focus on diseases that others ignore is a result of our unique Christian focus on social entrepreneurship where money is secondary to doing good for God s people in need. It s part of our pharmacy school s mission to address these critical issues. The $12 million school was officially dedicated in September 2011, celebrating three years of planning, determined fundraising, and diligent recruitment of both faculty and students. A shortage of pharmacists in Wisconsin remains a national and regional healthcare manpower concern and that served as one of the main catalysts behind offering the doctoral program. Our pharmacy school strives to blend the mission of our faith-based institution into the fabric of our pharmacy education to prepare servant leaders for the profession and the communities they will serve, said Gielow. With our School of Pharmacy we are able to highlight the important role that pharmacists play as vital health care providers in many rural areas, noted Dr. Patrick T. Ferry, Concordia s President since Our program is specifically designed to prepare students for service to Christ in the church and the world. Concordia has espoused Excellence in Christian Education since its founding in 1881 on Milwaukee s near west side. 8 Passionate Believers... Changing Life

9 Christ-centered vocation South Wisconsin District LCMS / Summer 2013 In the past 12 months, the pharmacy school procured nearly $1.1 million in federal research and foundation grants, led largely by the work of Dr. Sem. A number of faculty members Laura Traynor, Andrew Traynor, Laurie Schenkelberg, Lynne Fehrenbacher, Kassy Bartelme and Mike Brown presented at national, regional or local meetings. Dean Arneson, Academic Dean, was a guest presenter at the Forbidden City International Pharmacist Forum in Beijing, China last May. The second-year Beta Class hosted and co-sponsored the first annual Molecular Pharmacology Poster Session last spring, funded by The National Science Foundation. Their works are currently on display in the School of Pharmacy. As a School of Pharmacy located on Lake Michigan, some of our research will be focused on determining implications to public health of the disposal of used and unwanted drugs into our fresh water supply. We believe we have an obligation to care about God s great resource of fresh water, Gielow notes. Wisconsin is also one of the states where properly trained pharmacists can now administer immunizations to anyone over the age of six. This ability allows families more and better access to convenient locations and significant cost savings over using the physician office for annual flu and school immunizations, said Gielow, who was instrumental in passing legislation in the state assembly. To that end, all pharmacy students and faculty are trained to become immunizers. Financial support for CUWSOP students in need of financial help has come from the newly organized Galen Society. The financial support program has limited funds at this time as the CUWSOP is without alumni to support future pharmacists in their education. Gielow encourages anyone interested in supporting this Lutheran-sponsored pharmacy program to contact him directly at curt.gielow@ cuw.edu or at The Galen Society has a $250,000 scholarship campaign currently under way. Gifts of any amount are appreciated by the program. For more details on the Pharmacy School, we welcome you to visit our website at or call toll free at My love is music Ruth Neitzel will turn 98 years of age this August in the Lutheran Home, not as a resident but as the organist who comes in every first Sunday of the month to play for chapel services. Ruth first started taking piano lessons in the 6th grade. Now, eighty-six years later, she continues to share her love of music with the residents, some of whom she has known ever since first coming to Milwaukee in 1949 when her husband, Rev. Elmer Neitzel, accepted the call to be pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. Times were different then, Ruth says. Pastors wives didn t work outside the home. While Pastor Neitzel was busy caring for a large, growing congregation Ruth was busy at home meeting the needs of her growing family of six children. Times have changed and Ruth admits she has changed as well. She now accepts the help of a wheel chair waiting for her at the Lutheran Home when she arrives, making it easier for her to travel the long hall that leads to the chapel. Extra lighting helps her to see the notes of the hymns she is playing more clearly, but she could probably play from memory. What hasn t changed is Ruth s love for others and the music that she plays for them. When the chapel service is over the first Sunday in August, long-time friends will stop to wish Ruth a happy birthday and reminisce a little about days long ago. Volunteers will help her slowly back to the car, but she won t be going home. She and the chaplain have one more service to lead down the road a few miles at Harwood Place. My love is music, Ruth says. Some things never change. maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries 9

10 Summer 2013 / South Wisconsin District LCMS Living Christ-Centered Lives Bible Study by Rev. Charles Brandt, Bethlehem, Sun Prairie Scripture challenges us as Christians to live Christ-centered lives. So the question is, How is that going for you? For me, it is a challenging struggle every day. I get so caught up with the daily routines that I often forget about the heart and center of my life my Savior and living for Him. I recently saw a picture of a series of signs posted below a stop sign with a confusing message. So approaching this corner, what should you do? Even we, as Christians, are torn and confused as we try to live our faith. It becomes too easy for us to get confused and do nothing even our worship can become routine, just going through the motions. I think this was much of the problem in the early church as well. Jews had come to faith in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit after Pentecost; they saw, heard and believed. Their faith was new and exciting. They saw the message of Jesus transform lives, like Saul to Paul, and fisherman to evangelists. But I will bet with the passing of time, people lost sight of their Savior. It is the same today in our country and in our churches people say, I believe! and think they are good to go with God. Are they? Are we? It is interesting when you hear in the news that in America, on an average Sunday, only 17% of Christians are found in worship. I have to ask the questions: Where is their faith? Are they living Christ-centered lives? Are we? James, the head of the church in Jerusalem was writing to this very situation, except it was not summer 2013 in Wisconsin; it applies equally to us and our churches. James was writing a practical plea for Christian living, namely a challenge to live Christ-centered lives. James describes the type of life a Christian should live. As Christians we are children of God whose lives are molded by the Gospel of God s grace. In the 108 verses of James letter, we find 58 imperatives on how to live as Christians. It matters not if James is writing to new Christians or to Christians living 2000 years after the events of Jesus life we can all become complacent or even lazy in how we live our faith. Listening and Doing James says, My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (James 1:19). As I go through life, my tendency is to be slow to listen and quick to speak. I always have an opinion and when others disagree, I can become frustrated or upset. I feel like James was looking in my window as he wrote these words. So often we fail to live our faith and most often that failure occurs in our homes and with our families. This could be part of the reason why James says, Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22). James uses the illustration of a man looking at himself in a mirror. He needs to see himself as he really is. If we do not see ourselves as sinners, we are only deceiving ourselves. James suggests the necessity of living our faith, not to save ourselves since that s already been done for us. It is in Christ that our bondage to sin is broken, 10 Passionate Believers... Changing Life

11 Christ-centered vocation South Wisconsin District LCMS / Summer 2013 but our life as Christians is our response to God for His love for us. James says, But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it he will be blessed in what he does (James 1:25). Throughout the letter of James we find the challenge to live our faith, to be compassionate believers. The word compassionate is defined as showing feeling, sympathy and concern for others. The challenge of a compassionate believer is living a Christ-centered life. Is Christ the passion of your life? Does your faith for your Lord live in and through you? What s new with LCEF? First, Diana Raasch is your new District LCEF Vice President. Diana started with Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) on March 1, She served as Director of Donor Relations at Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon since June Prior to that, she was Concordia s Director of Alumni and Parent Relations beginning in Diana Raasch, Vice President, LCEF Diana earned her MBA and BA degrees from Concordia, as well as a certificate from the LCMS Foundation as a Christian Gift Planner to assist individuals, couples and families as they set goals and their estate plans. Prior to June 2001, Diana enjoyed working as a technical recruiter. She had opportunities both as an independent recruiter and as the Director of Recruitment for an information technology consulting company in Milwaukee. Before recruiting, Diana worked in the Adult Education Department of Concordia for six years, which included serving as the Director of Continuing Education. Diana s husband is Rev. Randolph Raasch. He has served as pastor at First Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cedarburg since January 1989, as an adjunct professor at Concordia since the early 1990s, and has had various roles within the South Wisconsin District. They have two daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah, and sons-in-law Daniel and Patrick. Another new item for LCEF is their updated web site. Early in March, LCEF enhanced much of their investor and loan information. Make sure to check it out at www. lcef.org. Not so new, yet extremely important are the loans available to LCMS rostered church workers. Church workers can apply for residential, debt consolidation, and home equity loans. The LCEF web site gives all the details for personal loans, loan rates, applications, and most important, the toll free numbers in which applicants can speak with friendly, knowledgeable loan officers. Besides this there are helpful frequently asked questions pages for each loan type. Learn more about personal loans at www. lcef.org/loans/personal.cfm. Likewise, churches and schools continue to seek out loans. A frequent occurrence is a call from a pastor or congregation member seeking to start the process of refinancing their church loan. LCEF loan rates remain competitive with other lending agencies. The one major difference is the assistance received when churches and schools experience financial difficulties. Make sure to call the LCEF office for more details, , ext. 25. Loans to church workers and ministry are all due to wonderful LCEF investors. Recently a couple stopped in the South Wisconsin District office. They mentioned how much they loved the opportunity to help churches and schools with their investment dollars. That day was not their first visit, nor their first investment in the mission of LCEF. Rather this was their fourth 5-year term note. They shared details on their family and how blessed they felt to have them close by, and especially for the Lutheran Christian education many members of their family had experienced. Contact Diana Raasch ( , ext. 25 or raasch@ swd.lcms.org) for a demographic report for your church, to answer questions about a loan, and if you have questions about investing with LCEF. maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries 11

12 Summer 2013 / South Wisconsin District LCMS Mission/Ministry Prayers SWD weekly mission prayer calendar Passionate believers changing life this is what we are when we share the truth of the Gospel with others, and also when we pray! We invite you to partner with us in prayer as we bring these petitions to our Heavenly Father. Week of July 7 As our nation has celebrated the freedom we so often take for granted, continue to keep our leaders and citizens in your prayers that we all recognize our one true God s supreme authority over all things. Ask for guidance to those in authority to maintain peace and the freedom to worship Him without fear of persecution. Week of July 14 Pastor Kasongo Gui Kabeo, French African immigrant and ordained LCMS pastor, will be spending several weeks in his homeland of the Democratic Republic of the Congo this summer. Pray for God s protecting hand on Pastor Gui and for the Spirit s power on the hearts of those with whom he shares the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. Week of July 21 Remember our Lutheran Church Missouri Synod as the delegates to the 2013 Synod convention meet this week in St. Louis. Pray that all of their discussions, deliberations and decisions be pleasing to God and allow His kingdom to come among us all, and then to bring them home safely again. Week of July 28 Pray for all members of our District congregations and their pastors, that God would grant them a little time away from their daily tasks this summer to refresh their minds, bodies and souls while discovering new ways of serving You and Your Church. Week of August 4 Please pray this week for Pastor Bud Palmer and Pastor John Reinke who serve a vital ministry in our District among our deaf communities and their families. People who cope with a severe loss of hearing need our love, prayers and assistance. Week of August 11 Please join with our District in prayer for the Karenni ministry that has blossomed out of the assistance that the people of Trinity-Freistadt have given to these immigrants from the refugee camps in Thailand. Boldly ask God to graciously open their hearts to the Gospel. Week of August 18 As you pray this week, remember our District s Hmong ministry in Brown Deer, Milwaukee, Manitowoc, Oshkosh and Sheboygan. Please ask the Lord for His Spirit to encourage Pastors Faiv Neng Her, Blong Vang, Joshua Lee and Moua Vang, and student Moses Thao in their ministry among their people and in the raising up future leaders in these communities. Week of August 25 As the school year begins once again, ask our Lord to bless our teachers, students and parents of our LCMS grade schools, high schools and universities. Pray that our Lord will be honored in these places, and will keep these precious souls faithful to Him in all they do until He calls them home. Week of September 1 Please pray this week for our Campus Student and International Student ministries within our UW system. Ask our Lord to work mightily through the friendship and hospitality that is offered to students away from home and country on these campuses in our District. Week of September 8 Please include our District s ministry to the Middle Eastern and Muslim immigrants in your prayers this week which is accomplished by God s grace through our partnering with POBLO (People of the Book Lutheran Outreach) at its Brookfield location. Pray that we may learn more ways of effectively reaching our new neighbors with the saving message of the Gospel. Week of September 15 Boldly pray this week for Pastor Chris Ikanih, pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, who is instrumental in leading many to know their Savior, Jesus Christ in the Milwaukee urban neighborhoods and the African immigrants who settle there. Week of September 22 In your prayers this week, include our District s Hispanic outreach, under the leadership of Pastor German Novelli and in partnership with the Hispanic Lutheran Hour Centers, among the congregations of Holy Cross in Racine, Grace, Oklahoma Avenue and St. Martini Lutheran Churches in Milwaukee. Week of September 29 Hold up our Free at Last prison and ex-offender ministry this week and ask the Lord to bless the efforts of Rev. Afam Ikanih, Rev. Elijah Ndon and Lay Worker Patrick Batom as they assist and equip many to find their way to true freedom through Jesus Christ. 12 Passionate Believers... Changing Life

13 District News South Wisconsin District LCMS / Summer 2013 District assignments from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, is pleased to announce the following students who have been assigned to serve in L to R: Sean Willman, Anna Willman, Tula Willman, President Wille, Timmothy Heath Jr., Hannah Heath, Paul Rockrohr. the South Wisconsin District: Vicar: Paul E. Rockrohr, to Luther Memorial Chapel, Shorewood. Candidates: Timmothy W. Heath Jr., to St. Peter Lutheran Church (Pastor), Hilbert, and Sean A. Willman, to St. John s Ev. Lutheran Church (Associate Pastor), Mayville. Spring pastoral assignments from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, announced These students have been assigned to congregations in the South Wisconsin District: Michael Erdman, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Madison; Aaron Meyer, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Pewaukee; Joshua Scheil, Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, Twin Lakes; Gary Schockman, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Clinton. Immanuel, Mayville s 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 12 Immanuel Lutheran Church & School River Church in Mayville will be holding a 5K run/walk on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 9:00 a.m. The race will support their tuition-free school program which reaches dozens of unchurched families in the community. On the same day, a silent auction will take place at the school from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and Sunday, Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information and to register online, please visit Rev. Elijah Ndon visits Lutheran Church of Nigeria Rev. Elijah Ndon, currently serving as vacancy pastor of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, returned for a visit to his homeland country of Nigeria this past spring. Pastor Ndon grew up in the Lutheran L to R: Rev. Ndon with Pres. Ekong Church of Nigeria, and visited with President Ekong of the Lutheran church body, and worshiped with several of the congregations in his native country. New Deaconess for Good Shepherd, Two Rivers Around the District Taking part in the service were (L to R): Ya-Fen Szczesny, Candy Brassfield, Rev. William Kilps, Sarah Eiden, Rev. David Hintz, and Susan Eyer. The consecration and installation service for Deaconess Sarah Eiden took place at Good Shepherd in Two Rivers on June 2. Sarah is a 2013 graduate of the deaconess program at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. She has begun serving Good Shepherd Lutheran Church as a parish deaconess. U.S. Navy officer from Trinity-Freistadt United States Navy Ensign Rebecca Marie Guild, daughter of Jan Heinitz (Thiensville), graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, on May 24, 2013, and was commissioned as an Officer in the US Navy. Ensign Guild successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical, and professional training, resulting in a B.S. degree with a major in International Relations. The mission of the United States Naval Academy is to develop midshipmen morally, mentally and physically for the privilege of serving as leaders of Sailors and Marines who have volunteered to serve our country. Ensign Guild has been assigned to Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fla, where she will train as a Naval Flight Officer. Considered one of the top educational institutions in the country, the U.S. Naval Academy was founded in 1845 and has graduated more than 77,000 men and women as Naval and Marine Corps Officers. Its graduates include one president, 22 members of Congress, three governors, 27 chiefs of Naval Operations, nine commandants of the Marine Corps, 73 Medal of Honor recipients, two Nobel Prize awardees, and 52 astronauts. The Brigade of Midshipmen is comprised of more than 4,000 students from every state in the union. The class of 2013 began with 15,342 applicants, of which 1,251 were admitted. Ensign Guild was the only female from Wisconsin in the class of Ensign Guild is a 2009 graduate of Homestead High School, Mequon. She is a member of Trinity Freistadt congregation in Mequon. maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries 13

14 Spring 2013 / South Wisconsin District LCMS Around the District Faith Lutheran, Germantown, celebrating 50 years Rev. Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of the Lutheran Hour radio program, will be the guest speaker at the 50th anniversary of Faith Lutheran Church, Germantown. He will preach Sunday, Sept. 8, at the 9 a.m. worship service celebrating 50 years of God s FAITHfulness, YESTER- DAY + TODAY + FOREVER. Faith is located at W172 N11187 Division Rd., Germantown. Faith, first a mission church, is honored to have Rev. Klaus as its guest preacher. Faith s pastor, Rev. Thomas Kaul, along with the first called pastor to Faith, Rev. Warren Paulson, will also officiate in this celebratory service. Brunch and program will follow at Hilton Garden Inn. Leadership Project Benefits Community Jason Pica, a junior at Racine Lutheran High School, recently put feet to his faith with an event benefiting L to R: Theresa, Nicholas, and Katherine Grove, with Racine Lutheran student Jason Pica and Chelsea Ostrov of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Jason took a Christian Leadership class at RLHS that walks students through biblical models of Christian service, then helps them lead hands-on projects in the congregation or community. Jason organized a basketball tournament for 3rd and 4th grade students, held March 23 at St. John Lutheran School, Racine, raising $950 in funds and an awareness for people battling leukemia and lymphoma. He introduced a young leukemia patient, Nicholas Grove of Franksville, and his family, to the crowd of about 100 attendees. Nicholas was diagnosed at age three and is now almost six. He and his family shared personal struggles of living with leukemia. Chelsea Ostrov, a representative from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, spoke about ongoing work to find a cure for blood cancers. MISSION U, a program of Lutheran Hour Ministry, provides several course options addressing topics that meet your congregation s specific witnessing-training needs. Participants will gain tools that sharpen their witnessing methods and enhance their outreach to people of all ages and backgrounds. Two District congregations will host classes on Sept. 14. They are Faith Lutheran, Appleton, and Elm Grove Lutheran, Elm Grove. For more information, please visit Rev. Jeffrey Mueller installed at Berea, Milwaukee District News Berea Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, celebrated the installation of their new pastor, Jeffrey Mueller, on Jan. 27. Pastor Mueller had previously served Sherman Park Lutheran Church for six years. His wife, Robin, is an Administrative Assistant at the District office. They have one daughter, Megan. Celebrating God s Gift of Aging EncourAGEnet, the LEA network that links, equips, encourages, and celebrates post-retirement service, invites all seniors to Celebrating God s Gift of Aging at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center Hotel in downtown Milwaukee, on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013 from 8:30 a.m 1 p.m. Dr. Rich Bimler of Wheat Ridge Ministries will be host for the day. This pre-lea convocation event will be a refreshing opportunity to energize, uplift, encourage and resource with one another. It is open to anyone who is aging and cares about the challenges and opportunities of the aging process. Get more information at Carly Renguette receives Herb Kohl Award Racine Lutheran High School student, Carly Renguette, has been awarded the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Initiative Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship was presented by (retired) U.S. Senator Herb Kohl at a March 23 luncheon in Greenfield. This award recognizes students who have demonstrated a high level of motivation, shown strong promise for achieving success in college and beyond, and overcome significant personal obstacles or adversity. Several years ago, Carly sustained a spinal cord injury that nearly took her life. She became paralyzed and was unable to breathe on her own. After much effort and therapy, Carly has progressed from wheelchair to arm crutches, and she is now working on walking with a cane and independently. Her dream is to become an author. Racine Lutheran Principal David Burgess says, Congratulations to Carly. She provides us all with a great example of Rom. 5:3; perseverance, character, and hope. Carly is an excellent student and very deserving of this honor. 14 Passionate Believers... Changing Life

15 District News South Wisconsin District LCMS / Summer 2013 Scheduling your vacation plans? Make sure to contact the SW District regarding your Stewardship Plans. The South Wisconsin District Office is establishing stewardship programs that are specifically designed for the needs of congregations in the South Wisconsin District. Please contact Diana Raasch, , ext. 25 for more details. LCEF A Place to Grow Empowering ministries in Kingdom work is what happens through the dedicated investors at Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF). As your LCEF investments grow, so do the resources and services that are used to equip ministries in embracing God s plan and sharing His love. Be a part of LCEF, where individuals and ministries come together to grow in the Lord. Learn more today about LCEF as your place to grow. Diana Raasch raasch@swd.lcms.org lcef.org

16 SOUTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT LCMS 8100 W CAPITOL DRIVE MILWAUKEE, WI Nonprofit Org. US Postage PAID Milwaukee, WI Permit No Celebrating... Send us names of people who will observe a noteworthy October, November or December birthday (90, 95, 100 or above) or wedding anniversary (50, 55, 60, 65 or above). Deadline is Aug. 15, them to editor@swd.lcms.org, or mail to Passionate Believers, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI Birthdays June (additions to Spring issue) 17 Ben Radder, 90, Beautiful Savior, Milwaukee July 8 Lorraine Williams, 90, Trinity (Wilson), Sheboygan 12 Lucille Carlson, 95, Our Redeemer, Delavan 12 Virginia Warner, 90, St. John, West Bend 16 Ruth Heuer, 95, Beautiful Savior, Milwaukee 18 Walfrid Friedman, 90, Beautiful Savior, Milwaukee Wedding Anniversaries June (additions to Spring issue) 6 Bob & Phyllis Peterson, 50, Messiah, Ripon 27 Wil & Isabelle Mueller, 70, St. Andrew, West Bend July 5 Wally & Linda Haas, 55, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee 5 Allen & Margaret Hron, 55, St. John, West Bend 13 William & Margaret Woellert, 50, Our Redeemer, Delavan 17 Wilfred & Ella McCauley, 55, Messiah, Ripon 19 Donald & Shirley Wert, 66, Trinity, West Allis 21 Chester & Marion Possin, 67, Pella, Waupun 25 Ralph & Bobbette Schmid, 60, Immanuel, Brookfield 26 David & Phyllis Williams, 67, Pella, Waupun 27 Melvyn & Heide Schneider, 50, St. Thomas, Waldo Upcoming events... July 1-5 National Youth Gathering, San Antonio, TX LCMS Convention, St. Louis, MO August 2 Early Childhood Literacy Festival, CUW 9 New Worker Orientation, District Office August 23 Eula Edler, 95, Beautiful Savior, Milwaukee September 8 Jennie Ludwig, 90, Pella, Waupun 12 Elma Thom, 90, St. John, West Bend 18 Lillian Manke, 90, Our Redeemer, Delavan 20 Joseph Robl, 100, Trinity, Oshkosh 25 Ada Lowe, 95, St. Paul, Brown Deer 28 Jeanette Voller, 102, Our Redeemer, Delavan 30 Wally & Dorothy Rueger, 65, Messiah, Ripon August 11 Milton & Jeanette Holl, 50, St. John, West Bend 16 Dr. Gary & Gail McFadden, 55, St. John, West Bend 17 Charles & Judith Mulder, 50, Our Redeemer, Delavan 28 Howard & Elaine Greening, 65, St. Paul, Brown Deer September 2 Wallace & Shirley Peters, 69, Pella, Waupun 5 Donald & Margaret Gantner, 60, Trinity, Oshkosh 5 Robert & Charlene Zarling, 60, St. John, West Bend 12 Donald & Joyce Daum, 60, Trinity, Oshkosh 18 Harold & Lois Wilke, 65, Messiah, Brown Deer 26 Bruno & Bridgette Schmidtke, 60, St. John, West Bend 28 Merlin & Sandra Bowe, 50, Pella, Waupun 12 SWD Church Workers Golf Outing, Rock River Hills, Horicon 15 Firm Foundations 16 Before School Workshop, Hales Corners Lutheran Church October 1-2 Retired Pastors, Wives & Widows Retreat, Waupaca Pastors Fall Conference, Madison LEA Convocation, Milwaukee