IN THIS ISSUE Rain and floods deluge the District€¦ · Todd McVey — Candidate status, Madison,...

Updated information is online at swd.lcms.org. If you know ofcongregations, members and/or communities needing assistance,please call the District office at (800) 793-3678.

July/Aug. 2008

IN THIS ISSUEOutreach in smalltown Wisconsinpage 4

Trinity-Freistadt,Mequon, engageswith postcardspage 7

Lake Country studentsserve to learnpage 9

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The weekend of April 4,2008, Kate Obi (Hope,Milwaukee), Gui Kasongo(Benediction, Milwaukee)and I drove to Detroit, Mich.,for a four-day conference on“The Friendship of Jesus andMuslims.” The conferencewas organized by People ofthe Book Lutheran Outreach(POBLO), an LCMS recog-nized service organizationwhich focuses on outreach topeople of the Muslim faith.Some 150 people attended,including former missionar-ies, scholars and a number ofLutheran pastors who used tobe Muslim.

“People of the Book” is aterm often used for Christians

How do we reach outto ‘People of the Book’?

and Jews because thosereligions are centered on awritten scripture, the Bible, asMuslims are centered on theQur’an (Koran). The Qur’antells Muslims to respect andread the Bible as a goodbook, although the Qur’an isstill their final authority.Unfortunately, many Muslimsfear the Bible and forbidpeople to read it.

The POBLO conferencefocused on “bridges” be-tween Islam and Christianity,such as the Qur’an’s respectfor the Bible. Another impor-tant bridge is Islam’s respectfor Jesus Christ. Muslims aretaught to respect Jesus as animportant prophet. TheQur’an teaches that Jesus is

sinless, that he was born of avirgin, that he did manymiracles, and that God tookJesus to heaven without hisdying. (Muslims deny thatJesus was put to death on thecross; they say someone elsewas crucified in his place.)Some Muslims even say thatat the end of the world,Mohammedwill return toearth andJesus willcome withhim to tell hisChristianfollowers tobecomeMuslim.

The mostimportant

division between Christiansand Muslims is about the truenature of Jesus. Muslims denythat Jesus is God because,they say, there is only oneGod and God could not havea son. Muslims say thatChristians worship threegods, which is contrary to

Friendship ofJesus and

Muslims

(Continued on page 15)

Meet CampLuWiSoMo’snew director3

Sen. McCainvisits MartinLuther HighPage 5

By Karen Albers, Hope, Milwaukee

Rain and floodsdeluge the District

Students fill sandbags June 9 as flood waters from the rising RootRiver surround Racine Lutheran High School.

Racine Lutheran High School teacher Nate Bickel stands in the backparking lot entrance. The water stopped just short of flooding the school.

(Continued on page 16)

After June rains that floodedmuch of the Midwest, many lo-cal members’ homes and somechurches are still uninhabitable.Others are waiting for damageassessments to learn what lossesmay be covered by insurance.

On June 9, Racine LutheranHigh School became an islandsurrounded by the floodingwaters of the Root River. As thewaters rose, sand bagging andprayers began. Flood waterscame within 10 inches of thebuilding, but in the end itstayed completely dry. “We arethankful for all the people whocame to the rescue and espe-cially for all those who werepraying for the school,” said

teacher Nate Bickel. “We arethankful for the grace that Godrevealed to us throughout thisentire ordeal.”

Rev. Steven Voigt of Cov-enant, Milwaukee, came closeto having an electrifying expe-rience when entering thechurch for Sunday services.

When Voigt arrived, henoticed the air was not mov-ing, so he began to go downto the basement where the airconditioner is located. He sawthe basement had about sixfeet of water but did not stepinto it, which was fortunate asthe water was “energized withlive currents still on,” said chair-man Doug Kressin.

Kressin said that due to me-chanical failure, the church’ssump pumps were unable tokeep up with the constant flowof water into the basement.

“News of the weather-re-lated calamities in your districtdeeply saddens me,” said LCMSPresident Gerald Kieschnick in amessage June 20. “The propertydamage that has occurred is sig-nificant. The human toll of theaftermath of the devastation iseven greater. Our thoughts andprayers are with you.”

The Lord has alreadymoved the hearts of many indi-viduals to put their faith into ac-tion by contributing donationsand volunteering to help.

Gifts to a new SWD disasterrelief fund are being directed tocongregations in need. LCMSWorld Relief and Human Care isclosely involved to supplement

with other grants. Donations canbe made online at swd.lcms.orgor sent to the District office at8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee,WI 53222. Make checks payableto South Wisconsin District–LCMS, and earmark them for“WI disaster relief.”

Volunteers are asked to callthe District office so they can beconnected with those in need.As requests come in, volunteerswill be contacted.

By press time FEMA had re-ceived nearly 20,000 phone reg-istrations from the nineteenWisconsin counties with federaldisaster declarations. For thosethat have been impacted, it is ex-tremely important to registerwith FEMA by the Aug. 13, 2008deadline. The teleregistrationand helpline number is (800)621-FEMA.

2 South Wisconsin News July/August 2008

“We are living in a time of anxiety, conflict, and concern.”So begins President Kieschnick in his June “Lutheran Witness”article.

Drive past a gas station. It’s a good thingthat some of the gas stations now have their priceper gallon posted electronically.

Fill your gas tank. What used to cost under$30 now costs $70 or more.

Watch a son or daughter, a husband or a wifeboard a plane for a tour in harm’s way in a faraway place called Afghanistan or Iraq. Fear wonders what willhappen while they are there.

Listen to political candidates rip into each other. It makesone wonder if they have ever read the eighth Command-ment. We know the words, “defend him, speak well of him,and put the best construction on everything.”

Try to sell your home. If you own a home, even if it’s not“for sale,” you have heard the lament from your own lips. Itisn’t worth what we paid for it just a couple of years ago. Up-side-down we are.

Take a look at your retirement earnings. Instead of an up-swing as we have seen in recent memory, just like the housewe live in, the value has gone down.

Feel that lump in your throat? An anxious gnawing in thepit of your stomach? Fear swelling up in the heart because weare not sure what tomorrow will bring? It’s all affecting theway that we live and the choices that we make.

King David experienced the same sentiment. He writes inPsalm 55: “Fear and trembling have beset me; horror hasoverwhelmed me. I said, Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! Iwould fly away and be at rest—I would flee far away and stayin the desert” (verses 5-6).

But don’t just take notice of David’s fears, listen to his solu-tion. Take note of his faith. David writes a few verses later inPsalm 55: “But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening,morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me”(verse 16-18).

David sees life as a spiritual battle. It’s a battle that wasdecisively won when God’s Son bore our sin and its curse onthe cross. It’s the battle that our Lord Jesus decisively wonwhen he defeated the devil on the cross with his death and inthe grave with his resurrection.

But let’s not stop there. David doesn’t. David understandsthat this is not just about him. David calls out to those aroundhim, “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; hewill never let the righteous fall” (verse 22).

As we look around at the world in which we live, it is ex-tremely easy to say as David does early in Psalm 55: “My heartis in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fearand trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me”(verses 4-5).

But that is not the way that David ends his Psalm. Davidends with the conviction of a man who believes in the trueGod. He writes, “But as for me, I trust in you” (verse 25). Suchis our God. Such is our faith. Such is our conviction and ourconfidence. It’s not based upon the value of a house, a tank ofgas, or a retirement account. Our confidence defined by ourSavior’s cross and resurrection.

PASTORS WHO ARE CONSIDERING CALLS:Michael Ahlemeyer — Green Bay, WI to Mt. Olive, MadisonTodd Peperkorn — Messiah, Kenosha to Immanuel, Alexandria VA

PASTORS WHO HAVE ACCEPTED CALLS:Victor Fischer — Mission of Christ, Milwaukee to Gospel, MilwaukeeDonald Johnson —Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School to Zion,

GlenbeulahTodd McVey — Candidate status, Madison, to Good Shepherd by the

Lake, StoughtonKarl Wellnitz — St. Paul, Beecher, IL to Christ, West Bloomfield

PASTORS WHO HAVE DECLINED CALLS:Larry Miller — Helena, MT to Mt. Olive, Madison

PASTORS WHO HAVE RETIRED:Clifford Bischoff — Emmaus, Milwaukee (5/1/08)David Lieske — Hope, Fond du Lac ( 5/29/08)Mark Yates —St. John, Beloit (5/29/08)

PASTORS TRANSFERRED OUT OF THE DISTRICT:Craig DuBois —St. John, Plymouth to Africa Renewal Ministries, Texas

Published bimonthly by the South Wisconsin DistrictThe Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Volume 32, Number 48100 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53222-1920

(414) 464-8100 In Wisconsin, (800) 793-3678Fax: (414) 464-0602 E-mail: [email protected]

Visit our website at swd.lcms.org

Production Manager ............................ Barbara Balwinski

The South Wisconsin District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synodconnects, resources and equips God’s people for

bold witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

NEXT ISSUE: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008SUBMISSION DEADLINE — AUGUST 1

Send your news to: [email protected]

CALLS & V A C A N C I E SCONGREGATIONS CALLING PASTORS:Hartland — Divine Redeemer

(senior)Madison — Mt. Olive

Menasha — TrinityPlymouth — St. John (eval.)Poy Sippi — Emmaus

SWD seeks direct gifts counselorSouth Wisconsin District is looking for a direct gifts counse-

lor. Part of the job description defines the position in this way,“The primary purpose is to raise awareness of and direct gifts tosupport LCMS missions and ministries.” Experience in the field isappreciated but not necessary. For questions or to request a jobdescription, you may call (414) 464-8100 or [email protected], or visit swd.lcms.org. We also respectfully re-quest a resume. Cutoff date for receiving resumes is July 31,2008. Initial funding for this position has been provided by agrant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

For detailed information, go to swd.lcms.organd click on Ministry areas > Business office

South Wisconsin DistrictSouth Wisconsin DistrictSouth Wisconsin DistrictSouth Wisconsin DistrictSouth Wisconsin Districtfinancial snapshotfinancial snapshotfinancial snapshotfinancial snapshotfinancial snapshotFor the first three months ending April 30, 2008

4/30/08 4/30/07Revenue $594,900 $752,470Expenses 806,051 697,089Loss (211,151)Income 55,381

4/30/08 4/30/07Congregational support $498,990 $516,321Decrease in income 17,331

Rev. John C. Wille

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

On Saturday, May 10, 2008, MouaVang was commissioned by PresidentWille to serve as deacon of Word and Sac-rament for Hmong ministry at Benedic-tion, Milw aukee. Rev. Don Hougardsupervises Vang and has written and re-ceived grants for assisting this ministry ata limited level. Rev. Blong Vang preachedfor the commissioning.

Hmong ministryMoua Vang commissionedat Benediction, Milwaukee

Fall singlesretreat 2008

A fall singles’ retreat willbe held Oct. 11, 2008, atBrookfield, Brookfield. TimAlbers will speak on the themeof Christians reaching out tothe Muslim community. Anafternoon service project willmark Bibles for prison ministry,which can impact many Mus-lims in that population. Theretreat will start at 9:30 a.m.and conclude with the serviceproject.

Cost is $10. For more in-formation, contact EmilyBrauer, (home) 262-794-0079or (cell) 956-343-5219.

‘Lutheran singlesfollowing Christ’event calendar

Join other Lutheran singlesfor monthly lunches at 12:45p.m. after church services areover. To sign up call Linda at(414) 299-9127 and leavename and telephone numberby the Friday before. Reserva-tions will be made at the res-taurant on the Saturdaybefore. Separate checks willbe requested at the restaurant.• July 13 at Eli's, Pewaukee• Aug. 10 at Maxims, Brookfield• Sept. 14 at Eli's, Pewaukee• Nov. 9 at Maxims, Brookfield

Bible studies• Brookfield, Brookfield: first

and third Tuesday of themonth; contact Emily Brauerat (262) 794-0079

• Shepherd of the Hills,Pewaukee: 2nd & 4th Thurs-days of the month at 7:30p.m.; contact Nancy Ulrich at(262) 695-8766

Other events • July 25-27, 2008 – Lutheran

Single Adults (LSA) tour, Lex-ington, Ky. and Cincinnati,Ohio, Creation Museum andLutheran Hour Ministriesrally

• Oct. 11, 2008 – Fall singlesretreat at BrookfieldLutheran; contact EmilyBrauer at (262) 794-0079;cost: $10

• Jan. 31, 2009 – Single adultministry Sunday

• April 25, 2009 – Spring re-treat at Shepherd of the Hills;contact Linda Gerbitz at (414)299-9127 or Nancy Ulrich at(262) 695-8766

• June 25-28, 2009 – LSA con-ference, Concordia Univer-sity, St. Paul, Minn.

July/August 2008 South Wisconsin News 3

Everything is nowready to roll out the new

House of Correction(HOC) “basic back-pack” program thisfall. Starting in Sep-tember, inmates

discharged fromthe HOC will have

the opportunity to receive areferral to one of several sitesthat will be involved in the back-pack distribution.

Packed inside the back-packs will be up-to-date infor-mation on a variety ofresources including shelters,meal programs, health care,food pantries, employmentand job-readiness training, ad-vocacy and clothing resources.It will also provide some basicnecessities such as a Milwaukeecity map, Bible, basic hygienekit, nutritional food items, sev-eral bus tickets, a phone cardand a small portfolio with notepad and pen.

Support networkAt the time the ex-offend-

ers pick up their backpacks,they will be invited to attend asupport group under the NewLife Supportive Care Network.

Pray for a summer of peaceand hope in the city

(Left to right): State Representative Jason Fields, Alderman andCommon Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr., Rev. Chris Ikanih, and Dr.Howard Fuller (former MPS superintendent) at the prayer breakfast

Ex-offender program expansion slatedfor fall as partnership moves forward

This supportive network ofchurches and agencies has al-ready opened their arms to ex-offenders and their families.They help them to develop apersonal relationship with theirSavior, Jesus Christ, as a foun-dation to build upon. This net-work will help newly releasedinmates deal with issues facingthem as they look to success-fully reenter the community. Akey to their path to self-suffi-ciency is a supportive groupthat understands where ex-of-fenders have been and thestruggles they face. Incarcera-tion negatively impacts behav-ioral and social skills. Manyinmates demonstrate behav-iors of aggression, violence,defensiveness, isolation, hope-lessness, lack of motivation andinspiration. All of these behav-iors must be dealt with in orderfor the ex-offender to have asuccessful reentry and becomea productive member of society.

Beyond the HOCEven before the first back-

pack is given out, a partnershiphas been formed to consideradditional ways to help the ex-offenders as they acclimate

themselves back into society.The South Wisconsin District,Risen Savior, Franklin, and theMetro Milwaukee Lutheran Mis-sion Society (MMLMS) are work-ing together to expand thisprogram to include ex-offend-ers coming out of city and statefacilities as well as the HOC.

The program expansion in-cludes the addition of trainingand employment services.These will be offered by otherLutheran agencies such as Cross-ing Over and Reach Out, andwill provide the final phase of theprogram; helping these menand woman move from incar-ceration to self sufficiency. Theexpanded program will bephased in over an 18-monthperiod.

Initial funding and ongoing support

Funding for this ministry iscrucial, and the District, RisenSavior and the MMLMS arecommitted to the importanceof its benefits for so many souls.Granting resources have raisedalmost two hundred thousanddollars for the basic backpackprogram and New Life Sup-portive Care Network through

both private and Lutheran or-ganizations such as SiebertLutheran Foundation, WheatRidge Ministries and ThriventFinancial. Funds have beengranted from several govern-ment agencies also. But theneed is great and support willneed to continue as severalother changes to our ex-of-fender ministry outreach be-come necessary.

Risen Savior is consideringholding Chaplain GaryRuckman’s call under a new “ex-offender director” position thatwill be put in place sometime inearly 2009. This change will pro-vide greater flexibility forRuckman’s ministry so that hemay continue his services withassistance at the HOC and beavailable for services in otherfacility locations in a teachingrole in the program.

For further information onthis expanded program, or toprovide funding or donationsfor the backpacks, please contactRev. Dan McMiller, SWD missionexecutive at (414) 464-8100; Rev.David Zandt at Risen Savior,(414) 529-5647; or GeorgeLessmann, MMLMS executivedirector, (414) 476-5884.

On Saturday, April 12,over 200 people attended aprayer breakfast for a “Sum-mer of Peace and Hope in theCity” that was held at BethanyLutheran Church inMilwaukee’s inner city. Sev-eral city and state dignitarieswere among the group, in-cluding State RepresentativeJason Fields, Alderman andCommon Council President

Willie L. Hines, Jr., Dr.Howard Fuller(former MPS superin-tendent), CaptainJames Harpool, (headof the Third DistrictPolice Station), and arepresentative fromC o n g r e s s w o m a nGwen Moore’s of-fice. Bobby Lindsey,assistant public in-

formation officer for the Mil-waukee Police Department,was part of the planning com-mittee.

It is evident that there aremany people who are look-ing for answers to the unrestin the city, and fervently hopefor a peaceful summer in Mil-waukee. Let us all pray thatefforts like this, led by Rev.Chris Ikanih and others, willlead our Milwaukee families tofind the peace and the hopethat they are looking for at thefoot of the cross and the Wordof our Lord and Savior, JesusChrist.

Fourteen new students are taking their first lay ministry coursethis summer offered through Concordia University Wisconsin(CUW) at the District office in Milwaukee. Dr. John Oberdeck isteaching “Christian Caregiving” for five consecutive Tuesdaysbeginning in early June.

As of spring 2008, six students have finished the 11 course,three and a half year curriculum of CUW’s lay ministry depart-ment. Patrick Batom, Chris Burrell, Johnnie Fields, FredrickMollwitz, Jeffrey Mueller and Darryl Winston have earned theirLutheran church worker certification. Dennis Harmon andHerman Strozier are nearly finished.

For four years, a partnership with the Concordia’s lay minis-try department has permitted these courses to be offered at theDistrict office. Approximately a dozen lay people working in ur-ban and cross-cultural ministry have taken advantage of thesecourses. Examples of the courses are: Old Testament; New Testa-ment; biblical theology; Christian caregiving and the church inmission. Some students simply use the studies to more effec-tively assist in ministry at their local congregation. Others arepreparing for the specific ministry pastor program for the pur-pose of ordination in the pastoral ministry, or for entrance intothe Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (theological educa-tion for immigrants who have English as a second language).Still others may pursue additional studies at CUW to becomecertified LCMS lay ministers.

Dr. John Oberdeck emphasizes a point during a lay ministry classat the District office in June.

New students enroll in cross-cultural/urban lay ministry program

NEW! Ask the DistrictHave a question but don’t know where to ask?Drop a line. Responses will be made individually andmay appear online and/or printed in the next issue.

Submit a question with your contact informationto [email protected]. Using the subject line “Askthe District” will help us find your message morequickly. Or mail to: Editor, South Wisconsin District—LCMS, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53222.

Backpacks include:• Milwaukee city map• Bible• basic hygiene kit• nutritional food• bus tickets• phone card• note pad and pen

Resources for:• shelters• meal programs• health care• food pantries• employment• job-readiness training• advocacy resources• clothing


• Many of these congregations are indecline

• Survival issues often draincongregational energy and resources

• More than 50 percent of the peoplefrom the communities are unchurched

• Rich heritage and continuing changecan create constant tension

• Developing a plan of action forregional ministry is an ongoingchallenge.

‘Generation to generation’Retired pastors, spouses andwidows retreat Sept. 30-Oct. 1

The North Wisconsin District will host the annual 2008retired pastors, spouses and widows at the Ramada Inn inStevens Point, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2008. The theme is “Gen-eration to Generation,” based on Mary’s song from Luke 1:50,“His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generationto generation.”

With this theme in mind, the presenters will be Rev. Dr.Charles Mueller, an associate with Wheat Ridge Ministries andserving at Trinity in Roselle, Ill., and Rev. Dr. Arleigh Lutz, Jr.,currently serving as interim pastor at Christ, Wausau.

Registration is $69 per person with a shared room, or $79for a single room. The cost includes program, three mealsand one night’s lodging at the Ramada Inn. Registration ma-terials will be shared later this summer, but if you have ques-tions now you may call Lee Belmas at the North WisconsinDistrict office, (800) 333-2421.

Learn about plantingchurches Sept. 19Two seminars: Urban church plantingand AAAAAblaze! blaze! blaze! blaze! blaze! covenant congregations

Follow up to rural evangelism workshopOutreach in ‘small town Wisconsin’ Nov. 15 at St. John, Portage

Dr. Yohannes Mengsteab,LCMS director for new churchdevelopment, will be the pre-senter at two seminars in Mil-waukee on Friday, Sept. 19,from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at theSouth Wisconsin District of-fice. The morning seminar onurban church planting is de-signed for city churches thatare struggling with ministryfocus beyond existence.

Pastors and lay leadersof congregations whichhave identified themselvesAblaze! covenant congrega-tions, or any pastors and con-gregations interested inknowing more about becom-ing an Ablaze! covenant part-ner, are encouraged to attendthe afternoon seminar. Pleasecontact Tom Eggold at (260)615-9448 or tom.egg old@

lcms.org to make a reserva-tion to attend one or both ofthese seminars. Lunch will beprovided at no cost for allthose attending either ses-sion.

Many rural and small towncongregations are dwindlingand dying. A leadership train-ing and mission support net-work is needed for rural/smalltown congregations. In Febru-ary, Dr. Ralph Geisler (interimdirector of St. Paul Institute forEducation in Concordia, Mo.)led a well-attended rural minis-try workshop at Trinity,Wautoma. The two and a halfhour session was not longenough to absorb the wealth ofmaterial and practical applica-

tions that Geisler has to share.Many attendees went homewanting more.

“More” will be coming at an“Outreach in small town Wis-consin” workshop Nov. 15 at St.John, Portage. The SWD out-reach task force has selected alarger venue in a location cen-tral to District congregations.Registrations will be limited. Formore in-depth learning, theworkshop will begin with a con-tinental breakfast and continueuntil 3 p.m., with a midday break

for lunch and conversation.These “improvements” willmake for an opportunity tolearn to share the Gospel, togrow in knowledge, and getrecharged with confidenceto share the faith with whichwe have been blessed.

Details about how toregister will be sent to con-gregations late this summer.If you would like to reserve aplace so you won’t miss out,please call Peg Raabe at the Dis-trict office: (800) 793-3678, ext. 11.

Dr. Ralph Geisler leadsworkshops that delve

into these factors60% of LCMS

congregationsare located inrural andsmall town

communities

Man sows the seed; God reaps the harvest

Inner city congregationwitnesses 45 baptisms

When the power and truthof God’s Word—the Law and theGospel—are applied to the livesof the lost and dying in a worldfull of sin and at odds with God,people are changed, their heartsare opened, and they yearn tobecome children of God.

Evidence that sucha thing is happeningin Milwaukee’s in-ner city was seenthis spring onEaster Sunday.As Easter is atime of new life and resurrec-tion, it was an appropriate bless-ing for Rev. Chris Ikanih and Rev.Richard Boeck, along with thegrowing family of believers atBethany, to welcome into thefamily of God 45 new souls(from babies to adults) throughthe Sacrament of Holy Baptism.An additional nine persons werebaptized the following Sunday,

for a total of 54 new baptisms ina congregation that had beenreduced to 15-20 worshippersand at the verge of closing justbefore Christmas! Ikanih tookthree Saturdays to instruct thebaptismal candidates prior to

Easter and the joy was cel-ebrated by more than

200 people whoworshiped at

Bethany on Eas-ter Sunday.

Together,Ikanih and

Boeck have used the specific tal-ents and gifts God has giveneach of them to further thegrowth of God’s Kingdom inand around the Bethany com-munity. Average attendance onSunday mornings is nowaround 80 people, and Sundayschool, youth instruction, ayouth choir and adult instructionhave begun.

The prayers of God’s people are requested, along with any will-ingness you may have to assist with this work. Volunteers forvacation Bible school in August this year, as well as various otherneeds, financial and physical, are needed and requested. If youor your congregation can help, please call Ikanih or Boeck atBethany, Milwaukee, (414) 444-3131.


Anniversary CornerAnniversary CornerAnniversary CornerAnniversary CornerAnniversary Corner

AROUND THE DISTRICT AROUND THE DISTRICT AROUND

Birthdays (90, 95, 100 & above)JULY

4 Robert Harder, 90, Berea, Milwaukee15 Dolores Schmidt , 90, Blessed Savior, New Berlin22 Evelyn Albert, 90, St. Stephen, Horicon25 Irma Cotter, 90, Pella, Waupun

Edwin Stieg, 90, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee

AUGUSTAUGUSTAUGUSTAUGUSTAUGUST13 Edmund Kroening, 90, St. Peter-Immanuel, Milwaukee20 Elsie Roberts, 101101101101101, Trinity, West Allis25 Miles Coulter, 90, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee26 Marian Gomoll, 90, Trinity, Wautoma28 Louis Klusinski, 90, St. Paul, Wild Rose30 Claire Geisler, 101101101101101, Benediction, Milwaukee

Anniversaries (50, 55, 60, 65 & above)JULY

5 Walter and Linda Haas, 50, Mt. Olive, MilwaukeeAllen and Margaret Hron, 50, St. John, West Bend

11 Russell and Nancy Zimmer, 50, Blessed Savior, New Berlin12 Howard and Genevieve Bentz, 67, St. Peter-Immanuel,

MilwaukeeDon and Janet Mielke, 50, Benediction, MilwaukeeDonald and Audrey Schrank, 50, Immanuel, Westfield

19 Elmer and Alice Couwenhoven, 50, Luther Memorial,SheboyganDennis and Carmen Huettl, 50, St. Stephen, HoriconEdwin and Elizabeth Stieg, 67, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee

24 John and Ruth Verburgt, 60, Grace, Omro25 Ralph and Bobbette Schmid, 55 years, Immanuel,

Brookfield26 David and Phyllis Williams, 50, Pella, Waupun

AUGUST2 Harvey and Phyllis Gaatz, 7272727272, Trinity, Wautoma15 Ken and Mickey Robbins, 65, Our Savior, Burlington16 Delmer and Janice Betzhold, 50, St. Paul, Brown Deer

Gary and Gail McFadden, 50, St. John, West Bend21 Dever and Margaret Bray, 60, Trinity, Wautoma23 Jack and Lois Dallman, 50, Benediction, Milwaukee

Richard and Karen Schmidt, 50, Mt. Olive, Milwaukee28 Howard and Elaine Greening, 60, St. Paul, Brown Deer

Walter and Erika Ringe, 60, St. Paul, Brown Deer30 Ed and Jane Grotbeck, 50, Benediction, Milwaukee

Send us the names of people who will observe a September or October 2008birthdaybirthdaybirthdaybirthdaybirthday (90, 95, 100, or above) or anniversaryanniversaryanniversaryanniversaryanniversary (50, 55, 60, 65, orabove). Deadline is Aug. 1, 2008. Mail to: South Wisconsin News, 8100 W.Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53222. E-mail: [email protected].

Volunteers and displayitems wanted forGermanfest booth

There will be an LCMS ex-hibit in the cultural tent atMilwaukee’s Germanfest,which runs July 24-27. Thebooth will display Germanministry in churches in the pastand today. Copies of old pho-tographs are wanted—ofpeople worshiping or picturesof anything German in thechurch (such as German writ-ing at the entrance). Also wel-come are any old Germanartifacts that congregations ormembers could lend. DonatedGerman books would be hap-pily accepted for giveaways.

Volunteers are also neededto staff the booth. Free admis-sion to Germanfest is provided—contribute some time then enjoythe festival! If you can help,please call Rev. Don Hougardat (414) 463-9158.

St. Mark, Milwaukee, holdsannual ice cream social

From the homemadesmells down to the red-stripeuniforms, St. Mark’s annual icecream social returns on Sun-day, July 27 from 2-5 p.m. witha reminder of “olde” Wiscon-sin parlor shop charm. Em-brace the old fashionedgeniality and cool off with yourneighbors over an assortmentof affordable sweet treats.Make your own sundae for $3or enjoy a classic single dipcone for $1. The combinationsof cold eats are many with pieor brownie ala mode and rootbeer floats too. If you fancysomething warmer, try the cof-fee or select from a variety ofhomemade baker y.

St. Mark is located at 550N. 95th Street in Milwaukee.Come revitalize the past and

experience the rare opportu-nity to bring the neighborhooddown to size. Everyone is wel-come. Call (414) 258-7118 formore information.

Heart of Worship praiseband will benefit A Placeof Refuge Ministries

Heart of Worship, a con-temporary Chr istian praiseband, will host a benefit for APlace of Refuge Ministries onSaturday, Aug. 16 from 6-8:00p.m. at Divine Shepherd, 9700W. Beloit Road, Milwaukee. Theworship, praise and Wordevent will include music, a mes-sage from Rev. Dan Czech and fel-lowship and refreshments. A freewill offering will benefit thewomen and children served by APlace of Refuge Ministries.

Heart of Worship pro-claims the love of God throughcontemporary music, biblicalreadings and relating personaltestimony to the messages ofthe songs they play and sing.They have held events at St.Paul, Oconomowoc and otherMilwaukee area churches andschools including Mt. Olive, Pil-grim and Benediction.

Bethany, Kohler, beginscentennial celebration

Bethany, Kohler, will cel-ebrate its 100th anniversarynext year on April 12, 2009,with Rev. Claude Baker as guestpreacher. The congregation,under the theme “United infaith,” began a decade of cel-ebration with praise andthanksgiving in April 1999.Over the past nine years, a spe-cial service was held each Apriland several renovation andimprovement projects werecompleted. This year a thankoffering is being gathered for theAblaze! outreach emphasis.

Beginning this Augustformer pastors, sons andgrandsons of former pastors,and friends of Bethany will beguest pastors. Rev. PeterBurfeind is scheduled for Aug.17; Rev. Ferdinand Bahr onSept. 14; Rev. Mark Wilkenson Oct. 12; and Rev. WilliamRedeker on Nov. 9. Three moreguest pastors are scheduled for2009. Sunday services begin at9 a.m.

Former members andfriends of the congregation areinvited to join in the celebration.For more information contactthe church at (920) 457-4681.

St. Stephen, Horicon,celebrates 150 years

In honor of the 150th anni-versary of St. Stephen,Horicon, Dr. Paul L. Maier willpresent a seminar Saturday,Sept. 6, entitled, “Christianityand the Competition.” Maier,professor of ancient history atWestern Michigan University, isa leading authority on the bib-lical world and a widely ac-claimed author and speaker.His seminars add a fresh di-mension to the Scriptures, illu-minating them with importantevidence from archaeologyand secular history.

This event will be held atSt. Stephen, 505 N. PalmatoryStreet, Horicon. Doors willopen at 9 a.m. for coffee androlls with the seminar runningfrom 9:30 a.m. until 3:15 p.m.Lunch will be provided. Cost isa free will offering to of fsetlunch expenses. Please RSVP tothe church office at (920) 485-6687 by Sept. 1. You are alsoinvited to join the 150th anni-versary celebration serviceSunday, Sept. 7 at 10 a.m.with Maier as guest preacher.A catered lunch will follow.Contact the church office for

meal ticket information.

MLHS ’78 class reunionThe Milwaukee Lutheran

High School class of 1978 willcelebrate its 30th class reunionthe weekend of Sept. 19-21.Events include an MLHS foot-ball game, golf, dinner andperhaps a picnic. Please visitthe reunion website atmlhs78.googlepages.com for in-formation and regular up-dates. The reunion committeewould love to hear from class-mates as well as confirm con-tact information.

E-mail [email protected] look for committee membere-mail addresses on thewebsite. If you don’t haveinternet access, please call Jodi(Hottinger) Winn, (414) 616-0323; Theresa (Thompson)Miles, (414) 442-1430; JohnSchultz, (262) 377-0787; JeffWendorf, (608) 262-9645; orSharon (Flory) Boettcher (414)358-8362.

Church and schoolsecretaries’ conference

Karen Lippert , director ofwomen’s ministries at DivineRedeemer, Hartland, will speakon “Tree—mendous Life” atthe annual conference forSouth Wisconsin District churchand school secretaries Oct.21-22. Cost including housing

at the Wintergreen ConferenceCenter in Wisconsin Dells is$130 for a double room, $150for a single. Watch for a regis-tration brochure the first ofSeptember.

St. John, West Bend, beginstravel ministry

St. John, West Bend, islaunching a new Christiantravel ministry. The outreachwill be directed by Warren Grafwho has served as director ofmusic for the past ten years. Ac-cording to Graf, “Not only willa travel ministry provide an op-portunity to share fellowshipand deepen faith among ourmembers, it will also opendoors for inactives and non-members.”

Currently there are twotrips planned. The first is amotorcoach tour Nov. 2-8,2008 to Branson, Mo., whichwill include a stop at ConcordiaSeminary, St. Louis. The sec-ond is an 11-day Alpine Europetrip to Oberammergau, Ger-many, for the world-re-nowned Passion play inSeptember, 2010. The travelministry will be in addition toSt. John’s thriving missionsministry which has sponsoredrecent trips to Africa, Guate-mala, Alaska, Mexico and India.For more information contactGraf at (262) 334-4901.

Senator John McCain visitsMartin Luther High School

On Thursday, May 29, Ari-zona Senator John McCain, thepresumptive Republican nomi-nee for President, visited Mar-tin Luther High School inGreendale for a “town hallmeeting” in the gym. Close to1000 people crowded into thegym and 300 more wereseated in an overflow area inthe cafeteria.

For days preceding theevent, members of the Republi-can National Party, and secretservice were a constant pres-ence on campus as they readied

the school for the visit. The sub-urban Milwaukee school waschosen by party members afterviewing several sites in the south-ern Wisconsin area.

Martin Luther Principal CarlEisman took part in the introduc-tions and Assistant PrincipalDavid Burgess was in charge ofcoordination with the secret ser-vice and Republican representa-tives.

Members of the MartinLuther jazz ensemble and theconcert choir helped entertainattendees as they waited for the

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senator. Many students, faculty,and parents attended the eventwhich was an excellent educa-tional opportunity and, un-doubtedly, a once-in-a-lifetimeevent for the school.

Sen. John McCain


Dr. Paul Maier captivatesCedar Valley gathering‘Secular history supports the biblical record’

Volunteers at S.O.S.Center come full circle

What a wonderful day it was at the S.O.S. Center recentlywhen two former students returned—this time to volunteer!

Edna and Raymond used to come to the center abouteight years ago for after-school help. Now in their twenties,they have both decided to give back to the community theycame from! Edna will help a student with literacy classes.Raymond, now at Concordia University in Nebraska, will bevolunteering with the center’s summer camp program.

The S.O.S. Center is currently conducting a “$1 cam-paign” to raise funds for their many outreach programs inthe community. About 50 kids attend their summer camp,but they are still short $9,000 for this year’s budget. If eachLCMS member in our District were to give one dollar a monthfor one year, they would be able to share God’s love withthose who need to know of his saving grace. Please contactthe Center at (414) 449-9964 if you or your congregation areable to help.

Jacquelyn Jones (left) and Kadish Carter (right) receivehomework help from Brian, who volunteers at the S.O.S. Centerone day a week.

Divine Savior, Hartford,commissions Stephen Ministers

Christine Lerner, Virginia Gehrke and Dennis Gehrke werecommissioned as Stephen ministers at Divine Savior, Hartford,on June 8, 2008.

Rev. Ricky Schroeder commented that “Divine Savior is notedas a very friendly church in the Hartford community. With theaddition of the Stephen Ministry program, we hope to increaseour visibility as a caring congregation, too.”

Stephen Ministries is the third component of compassionatecare groups at Divine Savior. Members of the caring friends com-mittee visit the homebound and those who live in care facilities.Often their visits also reach out to roommates and unchurchedfriends of the residents. The church has a prayer ministry whichis open to receiving prayer requests for congregation membersas well as their friends and relatives.

The new Stephen ministers were commissioned to be inten-tional in helping the hurting to restore their relationship withJesus. They listen and help members through the various crisesof life.

Stephen Ministries provides congregations with the struc-ture, training, and resources to set up and administer a com-plete system for lay caring ministry. In Stephen Ministrycongregations, lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers) provideone-to-one Christian care to the bereaved, hospitalized, termi-nally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, and oth-ers facing a crisis or life challenge. Stephen Ministry helps pastorsand congregations provide quality caring ministry for as long aspeople need it.

A capacity crowd of over100 participants attended theSouth Wisconsin District olderadult committee’s Cedar Valleygathering May 14, 2008, inWest Bend. It was a great dayfor catching up with friendsand meeting new ones, enjoy-ing good food and relaxation.But most of all, it was a chanceto absorb some of the great in-sights of Dr. Paul L. Maier,LCMS second vice president,author, professor and speaker.

Maier’s topic for the daywas “Christ or Caricature?”—a seminar on history, archae-ology and Christianity. In thesechallenging times when faith isunder fire from religious com-petitors, radical critics, mediapersonalities and the like, how

are Christians supposed to de-fend their faith? Maier helpedattendees discover that thereare many details about Jesus ofNazareth and the world that helived in supported by proofsfound outside of Scripture.These historic and archaeologi-cal findings make faith and theBible even easier to defend.

“Place names found in theOld and New Testaments arereal places,” said Maier. “Try thatwith other holy books of otherreligions!” The Bible is the onlyone that references events inreal locations that are still knowntoday. “Archaeology has onlybeen around for one and a halfcenturies,” Maier reminded theaudience. That’s not very longcompared to the age of the

world since creation. One rela-tively new discovery is that of thetomb of Joseph Caiaphas foundin Jerusalem in November, 1990.Discoveries like this support bib-lical history. Secular history alsosupports the Christian faith,matching events and names ofpeople that coincide with bibli-cal accounts. “Christians andskeptics agree on one thing: theproclamation of the earlychurch,” Maier said. “Theseare some of the exciting thingsthat set Christianity apart fromall other world religious sys-tems.”

Between sessions, the plan-ning committee led the groupin stretching exercises and gaveaway door prizes. Maier alsosigned copies of his many books.The day ended with a wine andcheese reception provided byLutheran Church ExtensionFund, music and a hymn-sing,and dinner.

Plans for the May 2009 gath-ering are already underway.Watch for the date and detailsin the coming months.A drawing for door prizes enlivens a break at Cedar Valley.

Rev. Dr. Paul Maier

Left to right: Christine Lerner, Virginia Gehrke and Dennis Gehrke


Fan into Flame: ‘Jerusalem’Trinity-Freistadt, Mequon, membersengage friends and neighbors withevent postcards, gift bags

On the air since 1928, the Lutheran RadioChurch Service is the longest continu-ously running radio church service in theUnited States. The program airs Sundaysat 6 a.m. on WTMJ 620 AM. Click the“listen live” link on wtmj620am.com totune in online. The program alternatesweekly between Wisconsin Evangelical

Lutheran Synod and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod ser-vices. The Lutheran radio committee annual meeting was heldMay 5 at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee. Among otheractions, the committee is looking into archiving radio broad-casts on a website for download by listeners. The mailing ad-dress is P.O. Box 501, Brookfield, WI 53008.

Mt. Olive, Milwaukee, broadcasts its weekly Sunday serviceon WJYI 1340 AM at 9 a.m. You can also listen online viastreaming audio feed at joy1340.com or download/listen toarchived services at mtolivemke.org. Worship folders will be senton request so listeners might have them in hand during thebroadcast. Write to [email protected] or Mt. Olive LutheranChurch, 5327 W. Washington Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53208.

A German radio program airs Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. on WJYI1340 AM in Milwaukee and can be heard live online atjoy1340.com. Visit evangelischeandacht.org for more informationand archived sermons. The program features Rev. Eberhard Klatt(retired from Bethany, Milwaukee), Rev. Don Hougard (Bene-diction, Milwaukee) and John Goldmann.

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Are you getting your copy of the South WisconsinNews? For only $5 per year you can have it delivered toyour door, sent to students away at school, shut-ins, orformer members of the District—anyone who wants tokeep in touch with LCMS happenings in southernWisconsin.

Make your $5 check payable to South WisconsinDistrict and mail to South Wisconsin News, 8100 W.Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53222.

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Send listings for LCMS worshipservices and programming—radio, television or internetmedia—to [email protected] mail to Communications,South Wisconsin District,

8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee,WI 53222.

By Fred MollwitzFan into Flame “Jerusa-

lem” dollars (the 15 percentreturned back to local congre-gations) have helped Trinity-Freistadt, Mequon,expand our outreachefforts in animpactful way. Withthis funding, a seriesof high quality cus-tom printed post-cards weredeveloped, invitingthe recipient to anyone of our worshipand fellowship op-portunities—includ-ing Christmas,Easter, vacation Bibleschool and Fourth ofJuly picnic. Recently,postcards were de-veloped encourag-ing parents toconsider a Christiangrade school educa-tion for their child,along with the announcementof a new worship and familyeducation schedule.

The postcards serve as animportant tool for members topersonally engage those whodon’t know Christ as their Sav-ior. Postcards are distributed toevery member’s mailbox withan encouragement to share itwith an unchurched familymember, friend, neighbor orcoworker. Each postcard in-cludes a provocative Gospel orScripture message, an invita-tion (to worship or specialevent), and an easy-to-readmap showing the church loca-tion and contact information.In addition to this personal-sharing emphasis, postcards

bor outreach program, Trinitymembers have delivered awarm Christian (and timely)welcome to anyone who hasrecently moved into our neigh-

borhood. Speciallyprinted gift bags in-clude a pastor’s wel-come letter, fourdifferent postcards,inexpensive Trinitygift items and a gift ofGod’s Word. Eachgift bag includes acustom printed two-disc set of an audioBible in MP3 format.The feedback fromthese visits has beeno v e r w h e l m i n g l ypositive. New neigh-bors (churched andunchurched) are sur-prised that a churchwould take on suchan outreach ministry.And as for our visitingteams, who knew

surprising our new neighborswith a warm Christian welcomeand gift bag could be so muchfun? It has been a wonderfulway to share Christ’s love withnew neighbors! Through theLHM website, we will continueto track, report and follow-upwith these new neighbors.

It’s our prayer that ourAblaze! outreach efforts willtouch the lives of our commu-nity with Christ’s love and thatthe Holy Spirit will provide

more Gospel-sharing oppor-

tunities in thefuture.

are also bulk mailed to 4,000households within a three-mileradius of Trinity. These regularmailings promote a Christianmessage, increase awareness

of our congregation (and its lo-cation) and serve as a usefulstarting point for personal con-tact with our neighbors. It hasbeen a blessing to hear visitorstell us that they remember thepostcard they received (by mailor presented by a friend, neigh-bor, coworker or family mem-ber).

In spring we launched anew neighbor welcome initia-tive. With names and guidanceprovided by the Lutheran HourMinistries (LHM)new neigh-

Concordia Seminary inBuenos Aires, Argentina, theonly Spanish speaking residen-tial seminary in the InternationalLutheran Council (ILC), is impor-tant for training pastors andchurch leaders for national ILCchurches in Argentina and inneighboring countries. ExistingSpanish-language Bible insti-tutes do not offer complete cur-ricula. The seminary’s currenthousing provides inadequatespace even for single, residentstudents. Because more second-career seminarians with familiesare answering God’s call tostudy for the pastoral ministry,residences will be renovated toprovide more classroom space,and a new building with sec-tions for both married and singlestudents will be constructed.

Single students will livetwo or three to a suite with abedroom and study area, ashared kitchen, and laundry

‘Ends of the earth’Seminary expands in Buenos Aires, Argentina

facility downstairs. The resi-dence will have units for 15married students and theirfamilies, with one or two bed-rooms, a bathroom, kitchen,and study in each unit.

The new housing can alsobe converted to support con-tinuing seminary-level educa-tion for pastors, lay leaders, andevangelists. It will provide op-

portunities to train workers incross-cultural ministry and asschool or hospital chaplains.Through such ministries, moreLatin American Lutherans wouldbe equipped to share Christ withunbelievers and leaders will bebetter trained for outreach andchurch planting in Argentina andother Spanish-speaking coun-tries.

Members hand out gift bags as part of Trinity’s newneighbor welcome initiative.

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Lutheran Special School Karen Frantz award

How one person can change a life

Whitfield accepts call to Brookfield Lutheran

Lutheran Schools Dayat Miller Park 2008sells out tickets

Twenty-two professional church workers—14 teachers, fiveadministrators, two pastors and one director of Christian edu-cation—played in the PCW softball game prior to the Brewersgame. Wolff’s Warriors finished victorious over Dewey’s Gang6-3. The available number of tickets this year was limited. Morethan 125 people requesting tickets were not able to attend.

Tickets sold out early for Lutheran Schools Day at MillerPark on May 10, 2008. The game was very well attended withover 1,100 people from 36 schools and churches.

Thanks to Lutheran Sports Association of Wisconsin fororganizing the softball game; Tim Dittloff, Lutheran ChurchExtension Fund vice president, for supporting the event; andHerman Strozier, Paramount Pictures, for taking photographs.

Sites needed for Sundayschool teacher workshops

Participants to last year’s Sunday school training indicated adesire for additional future workshops. To hold the series againthis year, host congregations are needed.

Contact Gary Janetzke at [email protected] or (800) 793-3678 if you would like to offer your church as a workshop site

later this summer or in fall.Receive first hand training in using the LCMS

“What A Way” material to explore vocations withyour Sunday school students.

Since 1990 Lutheran SpecialSchool & Education Ser vices(LSSES) has been recognizingone individual with the KarenFrantz service award. It is givenin recognition of a youngwoman who gave her time andlove helping out in the LSSESself-contained classroom. Karendied in an accident at a youngage. Her father, Ken Frantz, es-tablished this very special awardin her honor.

The award recipient is cho-sen by Judy Schultz, LSSES prin-cipal and administrator and ispresented the award at theannual Play-A-Round for Spe-cial Kids golf outing. “It’s prob-ably unusual to recognize anindividual with an award he hasstarted, but Ken’s service isnot your usual kind. Not onlydoes he help our organiza-tion as a whole, he haschanged lives in a very per-sonal way,” said Schultz.

Several years ago, Kenparticipated in an event withLSSES board members anddonors. The event was de-signed to connect these peoplewith students in one of theLSSES classrooms. Ken wastouched by the students, par-ticularly one individual, EllanaIngram.

Ellana Ingram came toLSSES after struggling to keepup with her classmates. Hermother recognized how hardschool was for her and broughther to LSSES.

Soon afterwards, hermother developed a lifelongillness that made it hard forher family to pay the tuition.Ellana and her family thoughtshe would have to leaveLSSES, but then Ken Frantzstepped in. After meetingEllana and hearing her situa-tion, he wanted to make sureEllana’s tuition would be paid

for. He paid her tuition for sixyears, until she graduatedfrom L SSES and completedher studies at MilwaukeeLutheran High School.

When the award was pre-sented at the golf outing, atear ful Ellana spoke. “Mr.Frantz, I don’t recall how youmet me so many years ago.But because of the educationthat I received through you, Iattended MATC for a year andtransferred to Bryant andStratton College for two years.I earned an associate’s degreein medical assisting, whichhelped me get a job at FroedertMemorial Hospital. I am able togo to work every day, earn adecent salar y, help otherpeople and be proud of my ac-complishments. Thank youfrom the bottom of my heartand may God bless you for allyou have done.”

Ken and his wife Arlita

have supported other studentsat LSSES. Because of his gener-osity and caring heart, thisyear’s Karen Frantz ServiceAward was given to Karen’sfather. He is a man whochanges lives and helps chil-dren grow.

Without Ken, Ellana wouldnever have had the chance shedid. The magnitude of his gift

Former student Ellana Ingram expresses her gratitude to Ken Frantz,whose support enabled her to remain at LSSES.

Rev. Dr. Alexander Whitfieldwas installed as associate pastorof Brookfield Lutheran June 29in an afternoon celebration.Whitfield will work with a longesteemed and highly respectedcolleague, Rev. Roger Heintz.

After earning a 1993bachelor’s in business adminis-tration from Concordia Univer-sity in Ann Arbor, Mich.,Whitfield attended ConcordiaSeminary, St. Louis. He per-formed his vicarage in Wiscon-sin at Elm Grove Lutheran andin 1997 acquired a master of di-vinity degree. In 2003 Whitfieldreceived a doctorate from NorthAmerican Baptist Seminar y,with preaching and evangelismthe central theme of his disser-tation, “Shaping Sermons forthe Once Churched.”

Whitfield is the youngest offour children born to Thomasand Floreda Whitfield, who re-side in suburban Chicago. He

married Kristin Walz in October2002. Their union has blessedthem with two boys, three-year-old Tris tan Alexander andSebastian Bryce who is almost ayear.

Whitfield’s dedication toChrist began in his teen years.“God changed my life in highschool, causing my devotion tohim,” he said. “That’s when God

became my best friend.”With a passion for life and a

deep love for people, his otherpassions include worshippingGod, preaching and evange-lism, good food and laughter.Whitfield’s love of laughter of-ten leads him to comedy showsand movies, exercising his beliefthat it is God’s favored medicineto heal the ailing soul.

“Find and experience thejoy of God in every situation,”said Whitfield. Sharing laughterwith others over a good meal isa favorite pastime, along withreading, good movies, workingout, computer games and shar-ing his appreciation for goodred wine and outdoor cooking.

Whitfield finds Brookfield tobe a vibrant and spirit-filled con-gregation, alive with the pres-ence of the Holy Spirit. He isexcited about continuing God’smission of connecting people tolife in Jesus.

Alexander Whitfield

The 2008 Lutheran Schools Day professional church worker teams Wolff's Warriors (green shirts) andDewey's Gang (blue shirts) play at Helfaer Field.

Youth Ministry 2009 symposiumreturns to Houston Jan. 9-11

“Youth Ministry 2009,” a symposium for professional andlay youth workers, is scheduled for Jan. 9-11, 2009. This is thefirst announcement for what promises to be an exciting andchallenging conference. Search Institute is releasing a major newstudy on adolescent spirituality in fall 2008. In an age of “spiritualdiversity” where everyone’s “religion” is accepted and toler-ated, how do Lutherans respond and provide appropriate“catechesis” to our youth and young adults? The conferencewill take place at the J.W. Marriott (Galleria) in Houston, Texas.Details will be available soon.

cannot be measured, but with-out his gift, there might nothave been any hope.

There are more students atLSSES who need people likeKen. If you are interested inhelping out a struggling stu-dent and family, give MichelleWagner, fund developmentdirector, a call at (414) 461-8500.

8/1 Early childhood festival, Mequon • 8/15 New teacher orientation • 9/12 President’s partnership breakfast • 9/13 Stewardship learningcommunity • 9/19 Urban church planting • 9/30-10/1 Retired pastors, wives and widows retreat, Stevens Point • 9/30 Luther on Stewardship,Mequon • 10/2 Fall school administrators conference • 10/4 “Mission Possible” fiscal and ministry conference • 10/11 Singles retreat,Brookfield • 11/5-7 Professional church workers conference, Wisconsin Dells • 11/15 Outreach in small town Wisconsin workshop, Portage

CALENDAR • UPCOMING EVENTS • CALENDAR • UPCOMING EVENTS • CALENDAR • UPCOMING EVENTS • CALENDAR


It takes a congregation...Church community and family joinefforts for a special confirmation dayby Rev. Wayne Huebner, St. Martin, Chilton

Confirmation is alwaysspecial for Lutherans. But con-firmation day 2008 was evenmore special at St. Martin,Chilton. That’s because theconfirmation class of elevenstudents included ChristopherJandrey.

Chris has Down’sSyndrome, a devel-opmental disabil-ity. But his parents,Larry and KathyJandrey, arediligent inteaching himGod’s Wordat home andat church. Chrishas always been in-volved in Sunday School andvacation Bible school at St.Martin. Several high schoolstudents have served as in-room aides for Chris during les-sons. Chris and his mom evendressed up in a two-person

camel costume for the visit ofthe Wise Men in last winter’sChristmas Eve service.

The Lord blessed Chriswith a wonderful place togrow up: the Jandrey familydairy farm. There he enjoysspending time with his parentsand the wonderful creaturesGod made: cows, chickens,dogs and cats, and more.Christopher’s grandmother,Vera Jandrey, also lived on

the farm.She was aspecial influ-ence on Chrisuntil her

death in 2004.She taught him

Bible stories,songs, and prayers. Like somany Lutheran grandmothers,she also shared God’s love forhim in Jesus Christ.

This past school year, Chrismet with me for a half hour

each week in a unique cat-echism instruction class. Helearned lessons from North-western Publishing House’s“The Simplified Catechism,”and from materials producedby Bethesda Lutheran Homesand Services. The lessons in-cluded colorful visuals andsimple craft projects. Chris alsoenjoys music, so he listened toa Bible song or hymn on CDeach week.

Confirmands at St. Martinare examined the week beforeconfirmation day. This allowsthem to show what they havelearned from the Scripturesand the Catechism. It also givesthem practice in talking openlyabout their faith in Christ. At thisyear’s examination Chris ex-plained that in baptism Christwashes away our sins. He alsosaid that the bread and winewe receive in the Lord’s Sup-per are Jesus’ body and blood

Christopher Jandrey with his parents, Larry and Kathy Jandrey, onconfirmation day at St. Martin, Chilton.

By Kelly Annette LamkinLake Countr y Lutheran

High School students benefitedtheir communities through ser-vice learning projects this se-mester. The projects variedfrom whole-class projects toindividually designed projects.

Two students, Alisa Juhland Chelle Schulte collectedmoney to purchase books forMelissa Lamkin's kindergar-ten class at Gospel LutheranSchool in Milwaukee's central

for the forgiveness of our sins.May 4, 2008 was confirma-

tion day, complete with pho-tos and flowers and proudrelatives! No one was happierthan Chris and his family. Hereceived this special Bible verse:“Whoever humbles himself likethis little child is the greatest inthe kingdom of heaven” (Mat-thew 18:4, ESV).

Chris’s experience at St.Martin shows how Lutheranchurches can reach out to spe-cial needs students. With cre-

ativity and determination wecan incorporate them into con-gregational life and provide in-struction in God’s Word andLuther’s Small Catechism. AsRev. Dennis Kneer of Bethesdasays, “We all need the assur-ance from God that he has for-given us all our sins. This is truefor all people, with or withoutdevelopmental disabilities.Many people with develop-mental disabilities can also beconfirmed and partake faith-fully in the Sacrament.”

Lake Country LutheranHigh students serve to learn

city, then delivered the booksand spent an afternoon read-ing to the children.

Students in United States his-tory classes honored veteransthrough a project that includedlive interviews with veteransand culminated with a presen-tation by Chaplain StevenHuff, invited by Kyle Spieker.

The American literatureclass adopted pen pals atZion Lutheran School inMenomonee Fal ls to en-

Chelle Schulte reads to kindergartners at Gospel, Milwaukee.

Lake Country American literature students meet their pen pals at Zion, Menomonee Falls.

courage the young studentsthrough writing and finishedtheir project by spending amorning with their pals.

Some students remarkedthat at first the projects mighthave seemed insignificant,but after months of servingothers, the students saw a realbenefit to these people as wellas what they learned from theexperience.

The idea behind theseprojects is to help high schoolstudents learn from service toothers and to link that serviceto the classroom. The class-room-learning link varies witheach project, but the rewardsfor the students remainstrong. While many studentsgive service to organizations,it is not often followed with alink to a learning objective inthe classroom. The benefit tothe greater community alongwith the sense of accomplish-ment and increased self-es-teem through the projectsprovide another dimensionof learning as Christian citi-zens.

For 50 years the Economy Center, an independent Christianresale shop located at 7814 W. Burleigh Street, has been serving theMilwaukee community. This year marks $3 million in overall sales.Staffed with over 150 volunteers, the Economy Center is open sixdays a week selling furniture, small appliances, dishware, linensand especially clothing.

The volunteers are all committed Christians, serving Milwau-kee area congregations as well as the Economy Center. Dedicatedto thrift and recycling, they repair damaged items so that what issold is usable and in good condition. String and boxes are savedand reused; old newspapers are used for packing. Sales tickets arecut from usable cardboard. Old sheets and other fabrics are used tomake quilts, which are sent to LCMS World Relief. Medical equip-ment and eyeglasses are donated to other charities where needed.Nothing goes to waste.

The profits from all sales support two LCMS agencies. LutheranCounseling and Family Services (LCFS) in Wauwatosa is a state li-censed family-based, faith-based outpatient mental health agency,providing counseling (including AODA counseling), birth optionseducation and adoption services to all people in the community.

Bethesda Lutheran Homes in Watertown serves those who areintellectually and developmentally disabled with a resident facilityin Watertown and group homes located throughout the Midwest.

The Economy Center began as an act of desperation. Bethesdaand LCFS were receiving so many donations of clothing and otheritems in the Milwaukee area that something had to be done withthe surplus. After only weeks of planning, the first shop was openedon Vliet Street Dec. 18, 1958.

A luncheon was held May 12 to mark reaching $3 million insales, to celebrate the anniversary and to praise God for the faithfulservice of all its volunteers over the years. When the Economy Cen-ter was being organized, one skeptical pastor said that the storewould never work. By God’s grace he was proven wrong!

Left to right: Rev. Reuben Schmidtz, Bethesda; Norma Mueller,Economy Center treasurer; Delores Boehlke, manager; Rev. PaulBorgman, LCFS; Dr. Chuck Meseck, LCFS CEO.

Thrift store thrivesEconomy Center supports Bethesda, LCFS

What canWhat canWhat canWhat canWhat can

YOUYOUYOUYOUYOU do do do do do?????


Mission LampLutheran Women’s Missionary League News

Here is what Lutheran Women in Mission are doing!

For the LatestLWML Information,check the district and national

LWML websites regularly:www.swd-lwml.org

www.lwml.org

Carolyn Blum,Past President

ONGOINGDISTRICT OFFICERS

VP, Servant Resources Judy Paulson 920-989-1777; [email protected], Gospel Outreach/Christian Life Florence Harms 608-323-3420; [email protected] Secretary Linda Ault 608-676-4994 (M-F a.m); [email protected] Secretary(Receives all funds) Janis Mattson 3557 S. 43rd St. Greenfield, WI 53220 414-546-1998 [email protected] Counselor Rev. David Totsky 414-444-4133 [email protected]

From Our Past President

Transitions

Send news forSept./Oct. Mission Lamp

by July 15 to:Lori Kleinschmidt, Editor

884 Fieldcrest Dr.,Neenah, WI 54956-1716

(920) [email protected]

Our Mites:Sharing Christ’s Love

Around the World2006-2008 Goal:

$190,000Needed by end

of May$182,083.41

Received184,287.63

($176,365.48 in mites, $4330 inmemorials/celebrations, and

$3,593.15 from the Selle Fund.)Overage

$2,204.22Balance neededby End of June

$5,712.37The SWD LWML fiscal bi-

ennium closed June 30. Theuse of any mite overage wasdetermined by the conventiondelegates.For the 2008-2010biennium, delegates chosefrom 24 requests for funds.

Remember the traditionalbifocals that you or your parentswore? Each lens had two sepa-rate strengths, the bottom fornear vision and the top to cor-rect far vision. The line betweeneach strength was abrupt, mak-ing it difficult when transition-ing between the two. New bifo-cals have no line, with the tran-sition changing gradually.Adapting to this newer kind ismuch easier!

This summer, ourSWD LWML is experi-encing a leadershiptransition. We’ve beenplanning this formonths, with the ex-pectation that it will bea “new bifocal” typeof change-over, with aminimum of abrupt-ness. Outgoing offic-ers and committeechairmen will havemet, passed along per-tinent information and will con-tinue to be available to our newdistrict leaders.

The district president tran-sition started already in April,when the two candidates and Imet to prayerfully discuss our re-sponsibilities. As you read thisedition of the Mission Lamp,only a few days after our con-vention, I will have already givenmy records to your new presi-dent. And I will continue to beavailable to her to encourageand uplift her as she makes herown mark on our district.

Will she do some things dif-ferently? Yes! And that is good.Our district will grow in newways, building on the work ofprevious leaders who servedduring the past 60 years. Eachpresident brings unique giftsand talents to the position, thuskeeping the district vibrant andalive!

Get Convention Newsin Next Issue

Because this issue went topress in the middle of June, wewere unable to include conven-tion news. To learn election re-sults and to see the list of newgrants, please check the SWDLWML website: www. swd-lwml.org. Complete details willalso appear in the next MissionLamp.

In a letter of thanks to theSWD LWML for its recent $3,000check, Judith Henke, Director ofthe International FriendshipCenter (IFC), in Madison, notedthat two students have beenbaptized recently.

“It has been so exciting tosee the Holy Spirit working inthe hearts of some of the inter-national students,” said Henke.The attendance for their activi-ties has been growing so rap-idly that she is unable to accom-modate everyone.

The Wednesday nightBible Class also is growing. Pas-tor Mark Schumm of CalvaryStudent Chapel is meeting withthree Chinese women and go-ing through an overview of theBible.

“Ever y week new stu-dents walk in and we have sucha unique and wonderful op-portunity to build friendships

and share the love of Jesus,”Henke continued.

Commenting on the recentLWML contribution, Henke em-phasized that “with this gener-ous and thoughtful gift, God’sWord will continue to be sharedwith all of the students thatcome in to the IFC. The IFC issuch an incredible place as theworld is at our doorstep. Godbless the women of the LWMLand please remember us in yourprayers.”

“This last mission grant stillneeds our mites of $7,000 tocomplete our pledges for 2006-2008,” noted Ruth Krueger,vice-president of human careand mission grants. “WithGod’s help and all our prayers,we can accomplish this.”

The district’s total commit-ment for this grant was $13,840.Prior to the $3,000 gift, anothercheck was sent for $3,840.

By Carolyn BlumMy seat mate on a recent

flight seemed to be asleep as Icaught up on some reading. AsI folded up the latest edition ofthe Mission Lamp in the SWNews, he startled me by saying“I noticed your newspaper hadan article about God being a‘compass through life’schanges.’ What is that allabout?”

Wow! His inquiry openedup a conversation about God’slove and care for all people; a

Two New Editors NamedTo assure continuity of the

district LWML publications,Lorraine Koch and JanDankwardt, the two presiden-tial nominees, met with Presi-dent Carolyn Blum in May tonominate editors for approvalby the Executive committee forthe new biennium.

Those selected are LoriKleinschmidt as Mission Lampeditor and Marci Schar f asChristian Life Newsletter editor.Both of the current editors had

requested that they be re-placed at the end of the 2006-08 biennium.

Lori, a cardiac rehab spe-cialist (exercise physiologist),enjoys writing. A member ofPeace Lutheran Church,Neenah, she sings in the choir,teaches Sunday School andVBS, and serves on the Boardof Social Ministry. She alsoparticipated in the recent SWDLWML Puerto Rico mission trip.

Marci is the office man-ager (secretary/treasurer) ofHope Lutheran Church, Fonddu Lac. She also teaches Sun-day School and VBS, serves onvarious boards and is thechurch librarian. She’s beenactive in LWML as society andzone president and as districtcorresponding secretary.

Reading Mission Lamp LeadsTo Witnessing Opportunity

conversation that lasted for theduration of the flight! He askedmany more questions, andthrough the Holy Spirit guidingmy answers, he heard aboutour fall retreat and the ‘com-pass’ theme, the meaning ofthe LWML and of The LutheranChurch—Missouri Synod. Mostimportantly, I was able to sharewhat Jesus means to me.

Praise God for providingthe Mission Lamp, and the fallretreat theme, as a tool to wit-ness His saving love for us!

Forms are now availableon the SWD LWML website forthose who would like to be aDistrict Young Woman Rep atthe national LWML conventionin Portland June 25-28, 2009.Deadline for applying is Oct. 10.

The two who are selectedwill have their expenses paidand will sit with the delegatesduring the convention ses-sions. They will be privilegedto serve on the SWD LWMLYoung Women’s Committeefor two years. Two YWRs andtwo alternates will be chosen.

Want to Be a 2009 Young WomanRepresentative at Portland?

IFC Grateful for LWML Gift;Attendance Growing Rapidly

Any mature youngwoman, approximately 22-40years of age and who has notpreviously been a YWR, mayapply. Applicants must bemembers of the LWML andcommitted to encouragingothers to be active in theLeague. They will write an ar-ticle on their experiences forthe Mission Lamp and/or theChristian Life Newsletter andwill give an oral report abouttheir Portland experiences atthe 2010 district LWML con-vention.

Here Are Ways to Involve MorePeople in LWML, Missions

Someone has suggestedthat the primary mission ofLWML is not to get new mem-bers but to help get women in-terested in missions and toserve the Lord with gladness.Here are some ways to do that.

1) When your district orzone has an ingathering, tellyour congregation and let themcontribute items too.

2) Give a subscription tothe Lutheran Woman’s Quarterlyto new church members. Haveextra copies for others to read.Use them for your Bible stud-ies, and invite your neighbors.

3) To discover the wishesof women in the congregation,do a survey. Hand a copy toeach woman before the serviceand collect them after church.

4) Remember those whoare shut-ins and/or in nursinghomes. Take bulletins and tapesof the weekly service to themand pray with/for them. Share“Mustard Seeds” with them.Create “Cheer Boxes” for them.Remember them with Valen-tines, Christmas cookies, Maybaskets and notes.

5) Make bead braceletsand finger puppets for distri-bution on MOST Ministry mis-sion trips. Have kits available inbags for those wishing to makethem at home and bring thecompleted items back.

6) Use information in theconvention manual and the Mis-sion Lamp to tell your congre-gation about a different LWMLmission grant recipient eachmonth and ask people to prayfor its needs. Put articles aboutthe mission in your church bul-letin and on your LWML bulle-tin board.

7) Buy Bibles and markthem for chaplains to distributeto prisoners.

8) Register your society forgrocery purchase refundprograms and urge all mem-bers of the congregation to par-ticipate - a way to raise funds formissions or seminarians.

9) Make an LWML catalogavailable in your church library.

10) Invite internationalstudents for dinner or a week-end. Some are lonely. Many arecurious about Christianity.

If our new district presi-dent asks you to accept an ap-

pointment on acommittee or as achairman, pleaseremember ourconvention themeverse: “Here am I.Send me!” (Isaiah6:8).

New bifocalssharpen vision, justas new leadershipsharpens and en-

hances our SWDLWML. My prayer isthat your new presi-

dent will be given the same re-spect, consideration and joythat you have given to me overthe past four years.

God bless each of you!

Carolyn BlumPresident 2004-2008


Mission LampVol. 57, No. 4July/August

2008

“From the ends of theearth, I call to you. I call asmy heart grows faint; leadme to the Rock that ishigher than I.” Psalm 61: 2

2006-2008 Theme:Faithfully Leading All

to Christ, the Rock

2008 Fall Retreat Registration

Name Telephone No.

Address, City, State, Zip

Congregation / City Zone No. E-mail

Emergency Contact Name and Phone No.

Attending: ___Friday Night ___Saturday ___Both Days

Age (circle one) 12-17 18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 55+

Minors attending without their parent or legalguardian will be sent a waiver form to fill outand return to the registrar.

Registration Fee:If postmarked on or before Sept. 20th $35If postmarked after September 20th $45* Discount of $10 if High School age. ($25/$35) Registration Sub-Total $________Note: Walk-ins are not guaranteed space and/or materials.Meals:Saturday Breakfast Buffet: Scrambled Eggs, Ham,Bacon, Country Fried Potatoes, Toast and Fruit $9 $________Saturday Lunch: Chicken Normandy w/asparagus, Fruit $11 $________Note: Joining us for the meals helps keep the total Retreat cost down.Hotel Room:Up to 4 people per room $90 $_________Please send all roommate registrations togetherin one envelope. Names of my roommates: 1. __________________________ 2. __________________________ 3. __________________________ Total Amount Enclosed: $___________NOTE: Late registrants are not guaranted a room.List any Special Needs (Physical, Dietary, etc.)_____________________________________________________

Make Checks Payable to: SWD-LWML Fall RetreatMail check and registration (with self-addressed stampedenvelope if confirmation is desired) to:LuAnn Roman, 2654 N. 74th St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213 Phone No.: (414) 453-2617 E-mail: [email protected]

IngatheringThe Retreat Ingathering will be given to Peter’s Pantry, a

food pantry serving the Manitowoc Area. Needed:· Canned soups and vegetables· Kid foods (cereal, crackers, baby food)· Cake mixes, peanut butter and jelly

Offering Three-fourths will benefit the Hmong Ministry led by Rev.Her at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Manitowoc. One-fourth will support the SWD-LWML Scholarship Fund.

Retreat ScheduleFriday, Oct. 17 4 – 6 p.m. - Check-in, registration, dinner on your own 7 p.m. - Program begins

After the program, you will have the opportunity toparticipate in a Servant Event and Fellowship.

Saturday, Oct. 18 6:30 - 8 a.m. - Breakfast Buffet: Scrambled Eggs, Ham,

Country Fried Potatoes, Bacon, Toast, Fruit, and Beverage 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. - Registration and Exhibits Open 8:30 a.m. – Morning session begins 12 p.m - Lunch: Chicken Normandy with asparagus,

Fruit and Beverage(Exhibits will be open during this time.)

1 p.m. – Afternoon session begins. 3 p.m. – Program ends.

Seeking Peace Amidst Change?Fall Retreat Offers Answers

One of the constants in lifeis change. Dealing with it is notalways easy. At the LWML FallDistrict Retreat Friday eveningand Saturday, Oct. 17-18, at theHoliday Inn, Manitowoc, par-ticipants will gain new ideas forfacing the challenges of life byfixing their eyes anew on thethings that do not change.

The keynote speaker willbe Dawn Schalow of Sher-wood, WI. She has over 15years of experience in design-ing and conducting high im-pact learning programs, facili-tating management and lead-ership development and inspir-ing hundreds of individuals to-ward zestful living.

An education specialist forTheda Care, Dawn has justpublished her first book forZestful Living Ministries, en-titled “The Twelve Ways ofChristmas.” She is known forher delightful sense of humorand her belief that living as a“beloved child of God” is thesource for a continually laugh-full life!

Senior Counselor DavidTotsky, Walt her MemorialChurch, Milwaukee, will lead aBible study based on the themeverse from Malachi 3:6. His fo-cus will be on reassuring at-tendees that Christians have anunchanging God for changingtimes.

The Holiday Inn is locatedat the outskirts of Manitowoc,at the southeast intersection ofI-43 and Hwy. 151. Its address is4601 Calumet Ave., and thephone (in case someone needsto reach you there) is 920-682-6000. The Inn has an indoor

“For I the Lord do not change;therefore you, O children

of Jacob, are not consumed.” --Malachi 3:6 ESV

Looking Ahead2008: Oct. 17-18 - Fall Retreat, Holiday Inn, Manitowoc.2009: Feb. 6-7 - Young Women’s Retreat, Ramada Inn, Fond du Lac. Spring Workshops - March 21 at St. Paul, Sheboygan Falls and

March 28 at St. Paul, Janesville. June 25-28 - National LWML Convention, Portland, Oregon. Oct. 16-17: Fall Retreat, Milwaukee Marriott West, Waukesha.2010: Feb. 5-6 - Young Women’s Retreat, Lodge at Geneva Ridge, Lake Geneva. June 18-19: SWD LWML Convention, Wyndham (Airport), Milwaukee.

CounselorDavidTotsky,RetreatBibleStudyLeader

pool and a fitness center.The retreat ingathering

will benefit a Manitowoc foodpantry known as Peter’s Pan-try. Three-fourths of the offer-ing will support the Hmongministry of Pastor Faiv NengHer in Manitowoc, and one-fourth will be added to theSWD LWML Female ChurchWork Student Fund.

Gather a group of friendsand plan now to attend - orcome alone. It’s always easy tomake friends at LWML gather-ings. Use the registration formbelow.

The registration fee, ifpostmarked on or before Sept.20, is just $35 plus meals andlodging, and there is a $10 dis-count for high schoolers. Theroom charge of $90 allows upto four people to share oneroom. Last minute refunds willbe given, but ONLY under ex-treme circumstances beyondthe control of the registrant.

Programs need to changeas the opportunities for missionchange, Linda Reiser, past na-tional LWML president, GrandIsland, NE, told a Lutheranwomen’s group meeting inMilwaukee this spring.

She added, “We need tooffer more events for un-churched and dechurchedfriends,” and she urged con-gregations to emphasize “mis-sion minded groups” ratherthan “church groups.”

Urging variety in pro-gramming, Reiser said, “If youdon’t have some that fail, youaren’t trying enough.”

Another speaker, GloriaEdwards of Portola Valley, CA,also a past national LWML presi-dent, emphasized, “Faithful-ness is not complete withoutfruitfulness.”

So, as district LWMLgroups plan programs thissummer for the coming year,how do they begin? Reiser’sanswer: with prayer, planningand communication! Prayershould start weeks and monthsin advance. For each event andactivity, the leaders shouldhave a goal, purpose and de-sired outcome. Personally in-vite people and publicize, pub-licize, publicize!

But how can good pro-gram ideas be found? At theMarch 2007 district LWML work-shops, participants shared doz-ens of suggestions during abrainstorming session. Thosesuggestions were compiledinto a four-page list that is avail-able from zone presidents. Thefollowing are just a few high-lights that will enable yourgroup to be of greater serviceto your congregation and theLord. (You can get more ideasby attending the 2009 work-shops – watch for details.)

—Plan a Field Trip or aMystery Road Trip. Tour Be-thesda (Watertown), CampLuWiSoMo (Wild Rose), Cal-vary Chapel and the Interna-tional Friendship Center (Madi-son), King Veterans Home,Milwaukee’s Place of Refugeand the S.O.S Center—or aLutheran agency in your area,such as Harwood Place in Wau-watosa (go on a day when theyhave a special program). Or,just go to a nice park or naturecenter and have a devotion, eatlunch and do a Bible study.

--Sponsor a potluckmeal for the elderly. Arrangeto pick them up if needed. Askthem to bring something old tobe used as centerpieces. Thenhave them tell about the items.

—As a group, attend adrama at a Lutheran HighSchool, a concert at Concor-dia University, or a Christianplay by Acacia Theater at CUW.

--Have a baby shower fora local pregnancy center.

—Invite an interestingspeaker. Check the districtLWML Speaker’s List. ConcordiaUniversity Wisconsin and mostLutheran agencies also havemany excellent speakers avail-able. Many on the LWML list arerarely asked but are very inter-esting and willing to come,even for small groups.

—Hold a Family Night onNew Year’s Eve. Bring a dish topass after the service. ShareNew Year’s Eve stories or simplegames that all ages can play.Honor 25-year members and50-year members and let themtell their faith stories.

--Sponsor an exercisesession in January.

—Plan a Mother-Daugh-ter Banquet, open to allwomen of the congregationand their friends and neigh-bors. Or, sponsor a Salad Sup-per. Two Milwaukee congre-gations alternate as hostessesfor a salad supper with aspeaker and invite all thewomen from their zone.

Have a book review of anLWML or CPH book. TheLeague has published three onmission fields, three histories,three devotional books andtwo on women’s experiences.

The entire LWML Idea Listhas 32 suggestions, includingTea for Teens, Mission events,Seder meal/program duringLent, indoor picnic in winter,prayer brunch – even a one-day retreat! The list also in-cludes 35 ideas for missionprojects and programs, and 26helpful promotional ideas. Getyour society copy today fromyour zone president – and planan exciting year of growth andservice.

Try New Program Ideas This Year;District List Offers Helpful Ideas


www.lll-swd.org

SOUTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT

LUTHERAN LAYMEN’S LEAGUE

68TH ANNUAL DISTRICT CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP

SEPTEMBER 19 & 20, 2008Concordia University12800 North Lake Shore Dr.Mequon, WI 53097 (Deadline: September 5, 2008)

NAME:___________________________________________NAME:___________________________________________ADDRESS:________________________________________ ________________________________________Phone Number:___________________________________E-Mail Address_____________________________________Home Church:_____________________________________

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE MOTEL TO MAKEYOUR RESERVATIONS. WE WILL MAKE THEM FOR YOU.

#____ Motel Registration @ $80.00 _____(Includes continental breakfast)Double Occupancy-Non Smoking-2 Queen Beds

#____Registration Fee @$20 each _____#____Late Registration @$30 each (If Received after September 5th ) _____#____Friday Night Fellowship @$10 each _____ Saturday morning breakfast on your own at motel or at Concordia Cafeteria#____Saturday Lunch Banquet @$12 each _____#____Saturday Buffet Supper @$15 each _____

Total Enclosed $_____

Make Checks Payable to SWD LLL-Milwaukee Zone

Send Registration to : Motel Name and Location :Fred Kurth Baymont Inn & SuitesN56W15891 Scott Ln. 1415 Port Washington Rd.Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Grafton, WI 53024When checking in, mention you are with theLutheran Laymen’s League

For Receipt, please send stamped, self addressed envelope.See our website www.lll-swd.org for moreConference information

Serving you inSouth Wisconsin

PresidentEdward Bieno608-873-0100Vice-PresidentVacantTreasurerMark Ramel920-994-2022SecretaryRoger Fisher608-782-6886Education Rep.Peggy Kraase262-293-9214Pastoral AdvisorsRev. Jon Leider(414) [email protected]. Duane Daeke608-727-3841Information ServicesDavid Jording920-989-5111Orphan Grain TrainElmer Payne715-228-4511District AmbassadorCoordinatorDavid Martin262-334-7616Region 6 GovernorEugene Fiedler920-496-0849

Parenting Families: From MEto WE is a six-week DVD seriesthat makes animmediate im-pact by teach-ing parentingstrategies thatreally work!The conceptwas createdby Dr. DavidLudwig, an LCMS pastor andleading Christian psychologist.Together wit h Pastor BenGonzales and principal andmom, Monique Nunes, theylead the parents through thisnew way of thinking and helpthem learn to implement it intheir own homes. Parents re-port fewer power struggleswith their children and moreconfidence in maintaininghealthy boundaries that helpchildren mature.

Parenting Families was cre-ated to be an outreach tool!Your church or school can be-

come a community leader insupporting families by inviting

parents fromyour area to at-tend. When thesen o n - m e m b e rparents partici-pate along withyour memberfamilies, it is anopportunity for

you to form relationships inwhich the truth and love ofJesus Christ can be shared - re-lationships that can lead tolong-term involvement in thefamily of faith at your congre-gation. The content ofParenting Families has passedLCMS doctrinal review. Churchworkers will not have to theo-logically tweak the program asthey go.

Your community will seethat your church is concernedabout them and view you as aresource to help them in verypractical ways.

'PARENTING FAMILIES' ISMORE THAN A WORKSHOP!

New Neighbor Outreach is a self-guided program that willhelp your congregation welcome new families into the commu-nity and your church. This lay-driven program is systematic, easy-to do, and will provide your congregation all the resourcesneeded to establish and sustain an on-going outreach effort.Every community adds members each month and New Neigh-bor Outreach (NNO) can help any congregation regardless ofthe size or location.

NNO helps establish relationships with new communitymembers; including relocated Christians, non-churchgoingChristians and nonbelievers alike. New Neighbor Outreach NNOprovides a plan for your members to follow-up with the churchvisitors.

Specifications:• Printed planner’s guide and DVD learning material• An online tracking system to help you coordinate the infor-

mation and status of each and every new move-in• Weekly updated lists sent electronically of new move-ins to

your community• Two starter packs of 100 color postcards (choose from a

variety of welcoming postcard designs)• A planned follow up process including secondary mailing

and home visits

New Neighbor Outreach

There are perhaps nowords of encouragementmore comforting than thosethat are tailor-made for us -words from the very heart ofGod that speak to our own cir-cumstance, our own struggles,and our own situations.

For a long time, LutheranHour Ministries has recognizedthe significance and impor-tance of having a ministry thatspeaks to the women we serveand serve with.

Which is what makes thisnext bit of news that muchmore exciting ... We began air-ing new episodes of Womanto Woman®, our award-win-ning radio program designedespecially to encourage anduplift women, helping themmeet today’s many and diversechallenges through the powerof the Holy Spirit.

Hosted by accomplishedauthor, broadcaster, and pub-lic speaker Phyllis Wallace,Woman to Woman offers adistinctly Christian perspectiveon a wide variety of subjects.Phyllis introduces listeners toexperts and academics in vari-ous fields. Thanks to the sup-port of friends like you,Lutheran Hour Ministries is able

to offer this powerful resourcefor today’s Christian women.

”Women today have morechoices and resources thanperhaps ever before in history.But we’re stressed and feelpushed to the max,” saysPhyllis on the need for this typeof ministry. “My goal is to in-form, inspire, transform, andset fire to the hearts of women,to apply God’s very practical,loving genius to the demandsof everyday life.”

What a tremendous oppor-tunity for listeners like you togrow in your faith!

For a complete station list,visit the Woman to WomanWeb site which is found atwww.womantowomanradio.com.You can also listen to the pro-gram on-line and find helpfularticles and additional informa-tion about featured guestswhen you visit.

Phyllis Wallace has a Bach-elor of Arts in Sociology and aminor in Psychology from the Uni-versity of Illinois-Champaign. Shealso has a Master of Arts in Guid-ance Counseling with an empha-sis on Youth Corrections andFamily Therapy from Southern Il-linois University-Edwardsville.

Reaching Today's WomenOn Today's Issues Lutheran Hour Ministries'

www.jcplayzone.com is a fam-ily-friendly Web site designedto engage children throughinteractive games, crafts, dailydevotions, and other fun activi-ties in a safe, Christian cyber-environment. Parents,grandparents, and teacherslook to the site as a user-friendlyand age-appropriate place forchildren to play on theInternet. JCPlayZone is rapidlyevolving and has become a fa-vorite with thousands of chil-dren. Also developed by LHMis www.jcparentzone.com.This Web site features insight-ful articles on real-worldparenting written from a Chris-tian perspective. Web surfers toJCParentZone can also findhelpful topical booklets, asingle-dad blog, and more. Ifyou haven't had a chance tovisit yet, now is a perfect time!

JCPlayzone

Congregational Tool Kit

The Congregational ToolKit is a Web portal that central-izes a wide variety of resources(tools) that have assisted manycongregations and/or schoolsover the years. These tools in-clude advertisements for TV,radio, and print media that areproven to increase the overallawareness of your church and/or school within the commu-

nity. New tools are added tothe tool kit throughout theyear. Whether you have a well-established strategic plan foroutreach or are just startingout, LHM has tools that canhelp you today. Visitwww.lhm.org/toolkit to view acomplete list of all the re-sources available.

www.lll-swd.orgYes, the South Wisconsin

District of the InternationalLutheran Laymen’s Leaguemaintains its own web page.You don’t have to wait for theDistrict News to be publishedbimonthly. Just go to www.lll-swd.org to find all the latest in-formation you need to stayinformed.


Camp LuWiSoMo

Phone: (920) 622-3350 Fax: (920) 622-4960 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.luwisomo.org

W5421 Aspen Rd.Wild Rose WI 54984-9177

For a fullcalendar ofevents, visit

luwisomo.org

UpcomingEvents at

LuWiSoMo

Meet Terry SchmeckpeperBy Kurtis A. Bueltmann

47th Annual Family WeekendCelebration August 8-10, 2008

By Joan Voigt, Development Assistant

ConfirmationRetreats

Oct 3-5, 2008Oct 10-12, 2008Oct 17-19, 2008

Summer Camp

June 8-Aug 8, 2008

Boundary Waters

Canoe TripJune 14-21, 2008July 12-19, 2008

47th AnnualFamily Weekend

Celebration

Aug 8-10, 2008

Luther Hostel

Sept 8-10, 2008

Golf Marathon

Sept 19, 2008

Fall WorkWeekend

Oct 24-26, 2008

Chili Dinner

Oct 26, 2008

Mother/Daughter

Scrapbooking &Stamping

Retreat

Oct 31-Nov 2, 2008

Women’sScrapbooking &

StampingRetreat

Nov 7-9, 2008

Kid’s Christmas

Dec 5-7, 2008

Mark your calendar to participate in the 47th Annual FamilyWeekend Celebration on August 8–10, 2008 at CampLuWiSoMo. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans “Care in Regions”will supplement $8,000 if we raise $24,000 AND generate4,000 volunteer hours for our Family Weekend Celebration.There are activities for all ages and plenty of space to roamand discover while visiting Camp LuWiSoMo.

“Heart & Sole” 10K Race and 5K Walk / Run“When you WALK, your steps will not be hampered; when you

RUN, you will not stumble.” Proverbs 4:12Join more than 100 runners in the 4nd Annual “Heart and

Sole” 10K Race and the 10th Annual “Heart & Sole” 5K Walk/Run. Everyone is invited to participate, from the serious runnerto the casual walker. Pre-register for this event by June 30 andyou will receive a discount. The cost is $12 per individual and$30 per family and includes a T-shirt for each participant. Signup at the Family Campground.

Sand Volleyball TournamentAssemble your team of four for the coed sand volleyball

tournament. Sign up in the Information Tent from (8:00 to10:00 a.m.) Saturday morning.

Sand Volleyball Tournament Guidelines• Tournament is single-elimination.• Each team must have at least one female on the court at

all times.• Coed teams consisting of 4 or more players.• Only 4 players on the court at once.Horseshoe TournamentPit your horseshoe skills against challengers in this singles

horseshoe tournament. Sign up in the Information Tent from10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Silent and Live Auction More than 70 items will be displayed in the picnic shelter

for both the live and silent auction, including handmade woodenitems, handmade quilts, exclusive naming rights for year oncamp cabins and road, and much more!

Worship ServiceThe guest pastor for Family Weekend is Rev Bryan

O’Connor. He began his involvement with Camp LuWiSoMoin 1979 while serving as the District Youth and Family LifeCoordinator and has been involved in various positions sincethat time.

He served as Chairman of the Board, until February,2008, when he resigned to accept the position of CampLuWiSoMo Advocate Coordinator.

The newly created position of Advocate Coordinator isfully funded by a Thrivent Grant. The goal is to establishsupporters in the congregations of our District who willencourage both the use of our Camp and provide fundingfor a Campership Endowment Fund that will help to assurethat all children of our District will be able to experience thiswonderful outdoor campingexperience. Chicken Barbecue/PieSale

Enjoy the mouth-wateringchicken provided by BrakebushBrothers, Inc. of Westfield. Trysome homemade dessert at thepie sale. Serving begins at 12:00Noon on Saturday. Chickenand pie will be served until itruns out.

Spectacular FireworksDisplay

Prepare to experience the best fireworks display you haveever seen by Jeff Young from West Allis, Wisconsin.Relax, refresh, and enjoy a weekend at Camp LuWiSoMo.

Women in theOutdoors Event

Aug 15-17, 2008

Kurtis Bueltmann OrdainedCongratulations to Kurtis Bueltmann on his ordination at Trinity

Lutheran Church, Wautoma, Wisconsin, on May 18, 2008. RevBueltmann has been placed atImmanuel Lutheran Church,Belvidere, Illinois, as an associatepastor.

We thank you, Kurtis for thepast twelve years of service, forsharing your awesome gift ofmusical talents, and for buildingthe ministry at CampLuWiSoMo. We will miss yourjovial chuckles and jokes thatalways put smiles on faces. Wewish you God’s blessings in yournew congregational ministry.

Farewell to ProgramDirector, “Bubba” Hansen

We bid farewell to our Program Director, Ryan “Bubba”Hansen. Ryan has touched so many lives through his gifts of

music, humor, and spiritual ministry.Bubba has been a blessing to

all the staff and campers that havebeen to Camp LuWiSoMo. He hasshared his awesome musical talentsand spiritual gifts with so manypeople that have come toLuWiSoMo. We wish you God’sblessings in your new position at theBoys and Girls Club of Milwaukee.

We offer a warmwelcome to TerrySchmeckpeper as the newExecutive Director of CampLuWiSoMo. Terry comes tous from Richfield, MN withhis wife, Ruth, of 28 years.They have two daughters,Becky, who just completedher first year at SimpsonCollege in Des Moines, IA,and Katie, who is married andmoving from St. Louis, MOto Sacramento, CA for herhusband’s vicarage.

Camp life is nothing newfor Terry. His dad ownedEcho Valley Resort in WhiteLake, WI, where the wholefamily helped out and livedonsite. In 1979, Terry andRuth both served as CampCounselors at LuWiSoMounder Gene Sattler. Terry hasalso volunteered at CampLuther as a “Church Workerof the Week” and leadingtrips to the Colorado Rockiesand to the Sylvania Wildernessarea in Wisconsin.

Terry graduated fromConcordia University, St. Paul,as a Director of ChristianEducation in 1981. He did hisinternship at St. StephanusLutheran Church in St. Paul,MN. For four years he served

at Canoga Park LutheranChurch in Canoga Park, CA,for thirteen years he served atFaith Lutheran Church inAppleton, WI, and for fouryears he served at Mt. ZionLutheran Church inMinneapolis, MN.

Terry has a heart forministry, with a special interestin the care of church workers.

Terry will be installed onAugust 9, 2008, during theFamily Weekend worshipservice at 7 p.m. We lookforward to the talent andexperience he brings toLuWiSoMo and confidentlypray that he will be a blessingto the Lord’s ministry atLuWiSoMo, providing faith-growing opportunities in aChrist-centered outdoorministry setting for all ages torefresh the whole personthrough the blessings ofpeople, facilities, and God’sWord!


For more information about Concordia University Wisconsinvisit us on the Web at: www.cuw.edu

August 23rd & 24th Concordia’s Move-in WeekendAugust 25th Beginning of the 128th

Academic School YearSeptember 15 Falcon Day Golf ClassicSeptember 19th & 20th Family WeekendOctober 4th Homecoming

By Jeff Bandurski Henry Aaron encouraged

graduates of the Class of 2008to make the hard choices, as hedelivered an inspiring addressbefore a packed field house atConcordia University Wisconsin’sspring commencement cer-emony on May 17.

Aaron, a true Milwaukeelegend who played 23 seasonsand holds more major leaguehitting records than any otherplayer in history, received twostanding ovations from athrong of nearly 4,000 and anHonorary Doctor of Laws de-gree from the University. He washonored in part for his creationof the Hank Aaron ChasingThe Dream Foundation,which helps underprivilegedchildren pursue their dreamswhile developing their talents.

Ironically, he presentedonly his second commence-ment address ever on the 38thanniversary of the day he be-came the first player in majorleague history to record both3,000 hits and 500 home runs.

Aaron Encourages Graduatesto Make the Hard Choices

“I did not set out to break BabeRuth’s record,” noted the 74-year-old senior vice president ofthe Atlanta Braves National Base-ball League Club. “There weretimes when I was in a slump, butI just kept swinging.” “There willbe times when you may not feellike it,” he reminded the gradu-ates, “but you will have to justkeep swinging.”

“You must be prepared tomake the hard choices,” con-tinued Aaron, who most ac-

knowledge as the legitimatemajor league home run cham-pion. “Don’t be afraid to failand don’t fail to learn fromyour mistakes.” But perhaps hismost poignant comments cameat the conclusion of his 12-minuteaddress when he told the 586graduates “…you have takenthe road less traveled. You havebeen blessed, now go and be ablessing to others.”

Aaron was returninghome to Mequon, having livedonly a few miles from campuswhen he played for The Mil-waukee Braves from 1954-1965, befor e the team’ssudden move to Atlanta. Whilehe indicated in his opening re-marks that the landscape ofMequon has changed over thepast 40 years, it still feels likehome to him.

On August 1, 1982, Aaronwas inducted into the BaseballHall of Fame at Cooperstown,New York. His only other com-mencement address was deliv-ered at Harvard University in1995.

Presented by The Concordia Bible Instituteand Concordia University WisconsinMon., Aug. 4 — Wed., Aug. 6, 20088:00 am — 4:00 pmon the lakeshore campus ofConcordia University Wisconsin, Mequon

This workshop is a 1, 2, or 3-day experience designed foreducators currently in the field as well as those desiring an in-depth intensive study of the Scriptures. Current themes areexplored by Concordia University Wisconsin faculty and ad-junct staff. Supervision is available for those desiring to takethis workshop for CUW credit.

PRESENTERS/TOPICS• Rev. Dr. John Saleska: “Christ: Teacher of All Truths”• Rev. Dr. John Oberdeck: “Burnout: Looking for the

Phoenix Effect”• Dr. Mary Hilgendorf: “Teaching About Women in the

Bible”• Ms. Sarah Holtan: “Public Speaking for Christians:

Creating a Climate of No Fear”• Dr. Michael Uden: “WEBQUEST: A Comparison of

Popular Beliefs with the One True Belief We Have asChristians”

• Rev. Dr. Patrick Ferry: “Augustine and the Most FamousAugustinian”

• Ms. Kim Ehley: “Trials in the Lives of Teens Today”• Dr. Roland Ehlke: “Presenting Christ in a Pluralistic World”

SPECIAL FEATUREIn response to the documentary movie, “Expelled: No

Intelligence Allowed,” which seeks to expose the facts aboutcreation and intelligent design and explores issues of sup-pression of freedom of speech, three noted presenters willcenter their comments on these topics and include movieclips and discussion. Presenters include: Rev. Dr. John Saleska,Dr. Angus Menuge, and Dr. Gary Locklair. Check out the linkto the movie at www.expelledthemovie.com.

REGISTRATION INFORMATIONCOST: $60 per person per day to audit; $1200 for 3 credits;

$915 for current Lutheran educators seeking graduate cred-its. Some scholarships available. Register by July 25th. EarlyBird discount before July 9th ($5 off for each day attending).

REGISTRATION INCLUDES: meeting rooms, honoraria, ma-terials, lunches, snacks, beverages.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on this or other Bible Instituteevents, contact Bonnie Treloar, 262-243-4422, or [email protected].


Islamic teaching. They do notunderstand the Trinity. Theyalso deny that Jesus died topay for the sins of the world.Instead, they teach that Allahexpects people to live goodlives and do good works—inthis way they can earnthe right to go toheaven. In practice,Muslims are not surethat they have be-haved well enough,or done enoughgood works, to earntheir way to heaven. They“hope” that they will go toheaven but are not certain.This leads to a fatalisticworldview. One of their mostcommon sayings is, “As Allahwills it.” The Qur’an teachesthat the only people who canbe certain of heaven arethose who give their lives asmartyrs fighting a holy warfor Allah.

The major thrust of thePOBLO conference was toteach participants whatMuslims believe, about theIslamic view of life andsociety, and point out waysthat Christians can helpMuslims understand and feelmore comfortable with theChristian faith and teachings.This is almost always accom-plished through one-on-onefriendships with individualMuslims. As Muslims see howChristians relate to them andto each other, and as theylearn more about the Bible,

The friendship of Jesus and Muslims(continued from front page)

about Christ, and aboutChristian teachings, they areoften attracted to Jesus and tothe Christian faith.

Many people attendingthe conference were formerMuslims. A number of them

spoke about how they cameto faith and about whatChristians should do (and notdo) to help attract Muslims toChrist. Ultimately, only theHoly Spirit can bring a personto faith. But the actions ofChristians aroundthem have a lot todo with attractingMuslims ordiscouragingthem from believingin Jesus as their Savior andLord. One loving and cultur-ally aware Christian often canmake all the difference for aMuslim is seeking a betterway to relate to God. Such afriendship needs to be long-term and sincere. Islamprovides a deep-rootedcommunity for its believers,with personal relationshipsthat touch all aspects of theirlives. Muslims who becomeChristian need a similarcommunity of relationships.

In the United States it isbecoming common for

Christians to have personalcontact with people of theMuslim faith. Muslim immi-grants from Pakistan, Soma-lia, Nigeria, and many othercountries have settled inmajor cities, including Mil-waukee, and also in smalltowns. Some of them aredoctors or architects, othersare factory workers, shop-keepers or taxi drivers.Americans also convert toIslam for various reasons,such as women who marryMuslim men, seekers afterjustice who are attracted bythe Muslim ethic, or prisonerswho need the strong brother-hood of support offered bythe Muslim community. All of

these are peoplewhom Jesus loves, peoplewhom Jesus wants in hiskingdom.

Conference speakersemphasized how important itis for Christians to know thebasics of the Muslim faith andalso to be aware of thecultural things which canplease Muslims or “turn themoff.” For example, Muslimsare very particular aboutwhat they eat; one shouldnever serve them porkproducts. Muslims are not

used to having dogs as pets,and they do not like being ina room with a dog. Theyexpect women to dress andbehave modestly. They areoften offended by immoralitycommon in American movies

and televi-sion.

On theother hand,

Muslims are often pleased tohave a friendly visit with aChristian. They enjoy talkingabout their religion andculture and they will listen tous talk about our religion, aslong as the Christian isrespectful of their beliefs anddoes not make light ordisparaging remarks aboutthe Qur’an or Mohammed.

“Respect” is the key toestablishing a good relation-ship with a Muslim. Oncethey sense this personalrespect, they will relate to aChristian—and then the Lord

can begin to work in his owngood way and time.

What we heard most oftenduring the POBLO conferencewas::

Study—learn as much asyou can about the Muslimreligion and culture.

Love—show your love andbe a genuine friend to indi-vidual Muslims around you.

Pray—pray that God willuse your relationship to bearfruit and draw your friend intohis kingdom. It may take yearsfor someone to even considerchanging his or her faith, andthen more years to work outthe process of becoming partof the Christian church. Bepatient and faithful to whatGod is asking you to do duringthis process. A Muslim manonce asked his Christian friend,“Even if I never become aChristian, will you still be myfriend?” The Christian’s answerhad to be, “Yes!”

Deacon Gui Kasongo (left), Kate Obi (third from left) and KarenAlbers (back row, right), all from the SWD, with others in attendanceat the “Friendship of Jesus and Muslims” conference in Detroit, Mich.


By Sarah HoltanThe St. Louis Rams have

chosen to use Concordia Uni-versity Wisconsin’s (CUW) ath-letic facilities for their summertraining camp. The decision wasprompted by a desire to movethe team to a remote location inthe offseason and provided easyaccess for scrimmage games,according to the official websiteof the St. Louis Rams.

“There’s something aboutworking together in one place,away from the distraction ofhome. There also is the anticipa-tion of breaking camp and start-ing the season when you comeback. We have in ConcordiaUniversity Wisconsin a traditionalcollege site with the kind of at-mosphere and surroundingsneeded to prepare for the regu-lar season,” said Rams’ headcoach Scott Linehan in a state-ment to CUW.

The Rams will be housed atCUW from July 24 to Aug. 14.Their first practice will be heldJuly 25. Some of the initial prac-

The Gospel Light Chorus,made up of sixth, seventh andeighth graders from St. JohnLutheran School in Plymouth,was honored to perform as thefeatured children’s choir at theLutheran Education Association(LEA) national conference thisspring in Minneapolis, Minn.They sang at the opening ser-vice April 24 to over 3600 teach-ers, pastors and administrators

Plymouth students perform in Minneapolisat national education conference

from 50 states and six foreigncountries.

LEA holds a national con-vocation every three years indifferent cities and venues. TheGospel Light Chorus, alongwith the Christus Chorus fromConcordia University, St. Paul,sang for the opening service.The Kapelle from ConcordiaUniversity, Chicago, and thechildren’s choir from St. John,

Wheaton, Ill., sang for the clos-ing service April 26.

The theme for the openingservice was baptism renewal.“Once in Royal David’s City,”with its reference to the child-hood of Jesus, was the openinghymn, sung by the choirs andcongregation. Soloist Nikki Reil,a sixth grader in the Gospel LightChorus, led the choir and con-gregation in the opening hymn.

tice sessions may be open to thepublic.

Representatives for theteam toured CUW on April 15,scouting the athletic facilities, thenew residence hall, and the caf-eteria. Last year CUW installedtwo artificial turf practice fields,which are similar to the surfaceof the team’s game-day field.Several additional upgrades willbe added to the campus in timefor the training camp.

A handful of other collegeswere considered, including UW—Whitewater, UW—Oshkosh, andthe team’s former training site ofWestern Illinois University inMacomb, Ill. The Rams trained fornine years at Western Illinois Uni-versity before returning in 2005 totheir permanent training facility insuburban St. Louis.

Besides the Green Bay Pack-ers, the Kansas City Chiefs holdsits camp at UW—River Falls. Withthe Rams at CUW, a total of threeNational Footfall League teamswill be in Wisconsin for preseasonsummer training.

The NFL ‘Rams’ its way intoConcordia University Wisconsin

Our Father, Greenfield – Floodwater caused damage to the school andchurch basements. Boiler room equip-ment in the school will need to be re-placed and the church basement, wherethey hold their day care program, willneed considerable repair.

Zion, La Valle – The parsonagesuffered a flooded basement and allmechanicals will need to be replaced.Flood water entered the worship area ofthe church (which has no basement), cov-ering pews and altar to a depth of 16inches. Members are worshiping with thecongregation at St. Paul, La Valle.

Covenant, Milwaukee – Six feetof water in the church basement causeda loss of power, mechanicals and phonesystem. Electricity was restored as of June26 and the church office is functioningagain, but heating and cooling systemswill need replacement. They are gratefulto Northwest Lutheran School for the use

of their office space and equipment. Earlydamage estimates are $175,000. Wor-ship services have been held inNorthwest’s gymnasium next door.

Mt. Calvary, Milwaukee – Thenew building addition had a sewerbackup in the girls’ bathroom that sent aninch of water throughout the carpeted li-brary. Some books were damaged andcarpeting will need to be replaced.

St. Peter-Immanuel, Milwaukee– A flooded church basement caused sig-nificant damage to their extended learn-ing center. Carpeting as well as learningresources need replacement.

St. Peter, Muscoda and Christ,Highland – The entire nearby town ofAvoca was evacuated to Muscoda. Resi-dents were allowed back to inspect theirhomes on June 13 and were allowed tostay if they had power and there was nowater in the house. Many members fromboth congregations suffered damage.The Red Cross is assisting this area.

Grace, Oak Creek – After base-ment flooding, all early childhood centerfurnishings, rugs and supplies had to bereplaced. Other damage includes kitchencupboards, carpeting, tile, boiler and hotwater heater. Early estimates of damagesare at least $25,000.

Prince of Peace, Racine – Apower loss caused the sump pump tostop working. The basement floodedwhere day care and preschool programsare held.

St. Peter, Reedsburg – A dozenmember families had to evacuate their

homes. The church, Red Cross and thecommunity are pulling together to helpeach other. Evacuees are staying withfamily members or in hotels. Thecongregation’s assistance funds are al-most gone and they are making an ap-peal for contributions for these families’immediate needs. LCMS World Relief &Human Care has granted St. Peter’s$1,300, and $600 has been directed fromgifts to the District’s disaster relief fund.

St. John, Sullivan – Nearby lakewater rose and invaded a member’shome, which is a total loss. The family will

need to rebuild. Another member lost 50percent or more of his corn and mintcrops. His fields look like lakes and hehas seen carp jumping in them! The con-gregation is also concerned for a localresident who lost his wife in a May caraccident, and now his home has beenflooded up to the first floor living quarters.

Bethlehem, Wales – Drywall, car-peting and furnishings in the basement ofthe church will need to be replaced. Re-pair cost is estimated to be $200,000.

Good Shepherd, Watertown –Several members had to evacuate their

‘Deluge’ (continued from front page)

Flooding and damage reports

See updated reports and volunteer needs at swd.lcms.org.

homes and are waiting for damages tobe assessed.

Pella, Waupun – The fellowshiphall and basement had close to five feet ofwater, causing damage to the lower cabi-nets, moldings and doors. Some sewingmachines and material in a quilting roomsuffered damage. The junior youth roomlost everything, including ping pong andair hockey tables and couches. They aretrying to dry out and save some of theirarchives. The parsonage had four feet ofwater in some places. Total damage isestimated to be $100,000.

Sand bags surround the churchat Zion, La Valle.

IN THIS ISSUE Rain and floods deluge the District€¦ · Todd McVey — Candidate status, Madison,...

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Transcript of IN THIS ISSUE Rain and floods deluge the District€¦ · Todd McVey — Candidate status, Madison,...