WHAT MATTERS . . . . . October 29, 2019 . . . News from Your Synod and Ministry Partners

Please note: Due to the Region 5 Assistants to Bishops Gathering, What Matters will be on hiatus the week of

November 4 as Bishop Rogness, Rev. Steve Kottke, Deacon Vicki Hanrahan and Rev. Walter Baires attend.

Please hold us in prayer as Bishops and their Assistants gather for learning, visioning and collegiality. Thank you.

ATTENTION ALL VOTING MEMBERS OF THE 2019 SYNOD ASSEMBLY

If you were a voting member in May, your attendance is expected at

this meeting. We require 50% of those in attendance in May in order

to have a quorum for this assembly. If you are wondering if your

attendance matters, it absolutely does. Please faithfully respond to

this expectation and work of the church. If you are sending a substitute, you will now need to have

them register at the event. We will have synod staff to assist you with that upon arrival.

REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR PERSONAL CARE ITEMS FOR THE SUNSHINE

PLACE TO BE RECEIVED AT THE SPECIAL MEETNG OF THE 2019 SYNOD

ASSEMBLY

There is no offering or registration cost for the Special Meeting of the Synod

Assembly, but you’re invited to support local ministry by our hosting

community by bringing personal care items for the Sun Prairie Emergency Pantry. Here are the items

that the director indicated are most needed right now. Would you kindly bring an item or two or

whatever your congregation can do to the November 2 meeting. There will be receiving

receptacles at the church upon your arrival. Your generosity will be most appreciated. Monetary

donations are also welcomed as they are able to purchase food items for the pantry at significantly

reduced prices.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019

9:00 – 9:45 am Registration (coffee and snacks will be served)

10:00 Meeting Begins

12:30 – 1:00 Meeting ends (lunch on your own)

Location: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 550 Lincoln Drive, Sun Prairie, WI

Donation ideas for Sun Prairie Emergency Food Pantry

South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA/ 6401 Odana Road / Suite 20 / Madison, WI 53719 / (608)270-0201 / www.scsw-elca.org

More information about the Special Meeting of the 2019 Synod Assembly

Registration: In the interest of simplifying the registration process, all those who were registered as voting

members of the May 2019 Synod Assembly are automatically registered for the November 2 assembly. If you

are sending a substitute, your pastor will need to fill out a substitution form. The form was emailed to all

rostered leaders October 16 and is due back to the synod office by October 29. Again, No registration is

necessary.

Other helpful information:

1) If you are a rostered leader serving in a different congregation from the one you were serving in May,

you will now represent the congregation you are currently serving.

2) If you are a rostered leader and cannot attend, you cannot substitute a lay leader to take your place.

3) If you did not send your full complement of lay leaders to the Assembly in May, you may add them

according to the criterion laid out in our constitution. Repeated here for your convenience:

Who Is Eligible to Register As A New Voting Member if You Did Not Send Your Full

Complement of Voting Members to the May 2019 Assembly

All congregations use the following formula to determine the number of lay (non-rostered) voting members

they are allowed to register for the assembly. The formula has been created to meet the constitutional

expectation that 60% of the voting membership of the assembly be composed of lay persons, and to achieve

the goal of an equal balance of men and women.

Up to 1000 baptized members = 2 voting members (one male/one female)

1001- 2000 baptized members = 3 voting members (one male/one female/one either)

2001- 3000 baptized members = 4 voting members (two male/two female)

3001- 4000 baptized members = 5 voting members (two male/two female/one either)

4001 - 5000 baptized members = 6 voting members (three male/three female)

5001 – 6000 baptized members = 7 voting members (three male/three female/one either)

6001 – 7000 baptized members = 8 voting members (four male/four female)

Youth & Young Adult Voting Members:

In addition to the aforementioned allotment of voting members, in June of 2010 the Synod Council passed a

continuing resolution allowing congregations to register additional Youth and Young Adult Lay Voting

Members. To be eligible for a youth or young adult voting member registration, the individual shall not have

obtained the age of 30 years old at the time of registration.

Up to 175 baptized members = 1 youth or young adult voting member of either gender

176 or more baptized members = 2 youth or young adult voting members (one male/one female)

Synodically Authorized Worshiping Communities:

A Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community may register one lay voting member of either gender.

We will start at 10:00 am and adjourn between 12:30 and 1:00 pm. Lunch will be on your own after we dismiss

the assembly; however, heavy snacks will be provided in the morning.

Agenda includes worship, address and information from Interim Bishop Peter Rogness, program, spending plan

discussion, and voting. We are grateful to Our Savior’s in Sun Prairie for hosting this event.

If you have any questions about who can attend, contact Deacon Vicki Hanrahan in the synod office at

608/270-0201 and she will be happy to help you.

Wartburg Seminary President Rev. Louise Johnson

Accepts New Call

Dr. Stephen J. Cornils, Chair of the Wartburg

Theological Seminary Board of Directors, shared the

news this week that the Rev. Louise Johnson notified

him of her resignation as President of Wartburg

Theological Seminary, effective December 31, 2019. In

his announcement to the WTS community, Cornils

shared: “In our life together, we champion Wartburg’s

mission of forming and deploying valued leaders for

God’ s church, whenever and wherever we are called.

Our beloved President Louise Johnson exemplifies that

mission in her own discernment to accept a new call to

serve in Jesus’ name.”

Johnson has accepted a call to pioneer a major new

Leadership Development initiative with LEAD. LEAD is a

thriving leadership organization that has grown out of

the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod and is now

becoming a standalone organization. LEAD has a

strong and growing footprint in the ELCA and beyond.

She will be charged with growing the organization and developing new pathways for leadership. This position

puts her on the front lines of experimentation in leadership development – a place she thrives – where God will

continue to use her for the work of the church and the world.

Cornils, who has worked in close collaboration with Johnson since she began her tenure as president, shared:

“Louise has gifted our seminary with remarkably spirited and effective leadership over the last four and a half

years within the Wartburg Seminary community and far beyond. We have no doubt in this new calling through

LEAD that her abundant leadership gifts will be leveraged to multiply, equip, and empower new and diverse

generations of gifted, passionate, capable, and authentic servant leaders.”

A WTS Master of Divinity graduate, Johnson was appointed the 14th president of the seminary in 2015 and

began serving that June. Johnson previously served at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (now

United Lutheran Seminary) since 2004 and also as the WTS Associate Director of Admissions from 1999 to 2004.

Prior to her departure at the end of December 2019, there will be opportunity to express appreciation to

Johnson for her effectiveness as a leader and as a deeply admired pastoral presence and friend to those in

and beyond the WTS community.

“I love Wartburg. I have loved it since the day I set foot on the grounds. I will always be a ‘Wartburger,’

called to love and serve the gospel of Jesus Christ, called to address the needs of those ‘who are like

sheep without a shepherd.’ Count on my support and advocacy. Count on my prayers for the bright

future of our beloved school. Count on my partnership in the ministry of the Gospel.” – Rev. Louise

Johnson

Wartburg and the leaders and students of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin are grateful to God for

Johnson’s leadership in this historic and extraordinary season. News of next steps for the seminary in light of this

announcement is forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

For more information on Wartburg: wartburgseminary.edu

Announcing…The 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering:

June 29-July 3, 2021 / Minneapolis, MN

See the theme announcement video and get fired up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghdWHO5Ajkw&feature=youtu.be

Never been to a youth gathering?

Here’s a great video to introduce it to your youth groups!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6Hrq793T1E&feature=youtu.be

14 I kneel in prayer to the Father. 15 All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from [God]. 16 God is

wonderful and glorious. I pray that [God’s] Spirit will make you become strong followers 17 and that Christ will

live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in [God’s] love. 18 I pray that you

and all of God’s people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. 19 I want you to know all

about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is. 20-21 I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. [God’s] power at work in us can do

far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 CEV

About the theme: We are bound. Bound by our sin, by the expectations of others, by poverty, by ”-isms” that

try to divide us, and by so much more. In a life that often feels like it has young people in a suffocating grip, we

want them to imagine the boundlessness of God: boundless love, boundless mercy, boundless freedom,

boundless creation, boundless strength. All offered from a gracious and loving God who knows and adores

them. All so abundant and endless it cannot be measured. What are the stories of God’s people, both in

scripture and modern day that share the awe and wonder of just how vast our God is? What does it mean,

what does it look and feel like to live a life “filled with all that God is”? How can young people find themselves

within the boundlessness of Christ’s love?

MYLE, the tAble and the Gathering are unique opportunities to invite young people into a deeper relationship

with a God whose possibilities are boundless. Through one of a kind experiences, this ministry stretches and

affirms young people’s gifts and calls. They experience the power of the Spirit within them, that frees them to

live in the grace of God’s boundless love in Jesus Christ.

Finally, we are excited by the connections this theme offers to our host city of Minneapolis and the surrounding

area. Known as the “City by Nature”, Minneapolis is an earth-minded city in many ways. The Minneapolis Area

Synod also names advocacy around care for creation as a top priority, which would allow us to learn from

and support the local expression of the church.

Learn more: www.elca.org/gathering and https://scsw-elca.org/ministries-and-

partners/youthministry/elcayouthgathering/

NEW! Join Our Ministry Partner, Lutheran Office for

Public Policy in Wisconsin for Wednesday Noon Live!

Each month, beginning November 6 at noon, updates

on legislation that pertains to the work we are doing

as a church will be broadcast on Facebook Live!

Interviews with guests and more!

Search LOPPW on Facebook for more information.

This is a great way to stay connected and informed on

issues pertaining to care of creation, human

trafficking, hunger and more.

SIGN UP HERE: https://signup.com/go/UsHqbFz

The Church in “Post Christian”: Dane County New Survey Data – Wed, November 20 / 12:00 -1:30 pm

Madison was recently ranked by the Barna Group as the eleventh most “post-Christian city in America,” a

designation that presents opportunities as well as challenges to the Church. Based on research exploring the

300+ churches in Dane County, covering everything from demographics and worship styles to correlations

between location, theology, and political alignment, Christopher James will present his new findings on the

state of Christianity in and around the Madison area.

Moving past nostalgic reminisces and laments of decline, James’ research captures the wave of ecumenical

diversity in Dane County, and highlights signs of life that point to promising opportunities for partnership in the

gospel.

This data is part of an ongoing, international study of Christianity in Late-Modern Western Cities, inspired by

James’ pioneering study of Seattle, Washington, Church Planting in Post-Christian Soil: Theology and Practice

(Oxford University Press, 2017).

This is a free event. Lunch will be provided.*

*We enjoy extending thoughtful hospitality to our community. To help offset meal-related costs, we invite our

guests to consider a $10 contribution for lunch on the day of the event. We are grateful for your support of

Upper House programming and hospitality.

Rev. Dr. Christopher B. James is Associate Professor of Evangelism and Missional

Christianity at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. There he leads the Master of

Mission and Discipleship degree and a Doctor of Ministry cohort on “Leadership in a

Changing Context” with Dr. Alan Roxburgh. He is author of Church Planting in Post-

Christian Soil: Theology and Practice (Oxford University Press, 2017) and holds a Ph.D. in

Practical Theology from Boston University School of Theology, a M.Div. from Fuller

Theological Seminary, and a B.A. from Wheaton College. His research has been

featured by several media outlets including the SeattleMet magazine, Seattle’s NPR

station, The Daily Beast, and the RePlacing Church podcast. Chris is Director of the Dane Churches Project as

well as Missio Madison, an innovative cohort-based initiative that equips missional leaders to thrive in the

Greater Madison area.

Location: Upper House is located at: 365 East Campus Mall, Suite 200, Madison

To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-church-in-post-christian-dane-county-new-survey-data-tickets-

64569702719

SECOND WEBINAR IN THE SCSW EQUIPPING THE SAINTS SERIES – FOR ALL CONGREGATIONAL

COUNCIL SECRETARIES – “Is Your Constitution As Old as Moses or Sandy Koufax?” REGISTER

For This Webinar! Call the synod office at 608-270-0201. There is no cost to attend!

Webinar: Engaging Service Members, Veterans, and their Families

Through Faith-Based Partnerships Date: November 14, 2019 Time: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET

To register:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2ooM86pgQXmuy7KQ9lISAg

Faith-based organizations often serve as a trusted source of help and

connection for many Service Members, Veterans, and Military Families

(SMVF). An increasing number of faith-based organizations and leaders not only assist with the spiritual needs

of SMVF but also provide support with many areas related to readjustment and strengthening resiliency,

wellness, and recovery. They are often referred to as “force multipliers” due to their help and support to so

many SMVF on the path to positive behavioral health and well-being.

This webinar will provide information that will help participants to engage, educate, inform, and partner with

faith-based leaders, non-profit organizations, and communities in support of and responding to the behavioral

health needs of SMVF.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the spiritual and emotional needs of SMVF and better understand the role that faith-based

communities can play in SMVF community integration and transition

• Facilitate information dissemination for expanding and growing partnerships between communities

and faith-based organizations

• Provide examples and lessons learned for convening faith-based learning events, bringing faith-based,

community, and SMVF partners together to help prevent SMVF suicides and address other mental

health needs

• Share relevant resources and tools to faith-based and community organizations in order to support

SMVF and their caregivers

• Identify training events and resources as well as explore opportunities for strengthening partnerships

and coordination

If you have any questions about your registration, please contact Phil Paty at (518) 439-7415, ext. 5272, or by

email at ppaty@prainc.com.

Dates for ELCA Benefits Plan Annual Enrollment

Portico Update from your Regional Representative,

Jennifer Prinz:

Congregations and Plan Members: Congregations have until October 25 to make health plan option selection

for 2019. Annual Enrollment for plan members will have from Oct. 29- Nov. 13 to make your selections. Note: If

you’re part of a sponsored couple, a call to the Customer Care Center can help you navigate some of the

trickier details. Sign into MyPortico to learn more.

Innovation Brings Low 2020 Health Rate Increase and More Support: If you haven’t read about changes

coming in 2020 to the ELCA Benefits Plan, click here to learn more.

ELCA Primary Health Plan Wellness Dollars:

Plan members have until Nov. 30 to earn up to $400 wellness dollars

that can be used for medical expenses. If your spouse is also on the

health plan, they can, too. If you have already started earning, don’t

forget to complete your activities. If you haven’t yet started, now is the

time to begin. Click here to learn more.

Innovation Brings Low 2020 Health Rate Increase and More Support: If

you haven't read about changes coming in 2020 to the ELCA Benefits Plan, click the link below to find out

more.

https://myportico.porticobenefits.org/?redirectUrl=%2Fcampaign%2Fannual-enrollment

We welcome

David Morstad, M.Ed, FAAIDD

To the SCSW Speaker’s Bureau!

His Topic:

Disabilities & The Church

The Speaker’s Bureau is a resource that you

can use to bring high quality educational programming into your

congregation on topics that are of great importance to our synod’s ministries.

David brings us expertise in an important area: Disabilities. Here is information on the presentation

he can give. As ever, you will make direct contact with the speaker to work out arrangements.

About David’s Offering:

Disabilities and the Church: Creating Communities of Belonging for People With Disabilities and Their Families

People with disabilities make up the largest minority group in the US; yet, many congregations continue to say,

“We don’t have any people with disabilities here.” In a 2013 study, more than half of families reported

changing places of worship because their child with a disability was not included. Congregational self-

reflection is encouraged in order to create more welcoming Christian education, outreach, evangelism and

encourage the stewardship of talent and insight that people with disabilities have to offer.

Disabilities and the Church aims to provide information on:

• The bumpy relationship of the church and people with disabilities

• Creating accessible worship

• Improving welcoming language and practice

• Discovering assets people with disabilities bring

• The journey from inclusion to belonging

About the Speaker:

David Morstad, M.Ed., FAAIDD

David Morstad (Immanuel/Watertown) is the author of Whole community: Introducing Faith Communities to

People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. He is a Fellow of the American Association on

Intelllectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), and was the 2010 recipient of the AAIDD Henri Nouwen

Award. For more than 38 years, he was with Bethesda Lutheran Communities and was the Executive Director

and Senior Fellow of the Bethesda Institute. David has published numerous articles and has lectured to

professional organizations across the US, Central America, the Baltic nations, and the Middle East. He currently

serves on the Governor’s Committee for People with Disabilities and is an advisor on the Institute on Theology

and Disability.

We are privileged to have him join the Synod’s Speaker’s Bureau. Welcome David!

To contact David, find his information on the Speaker’s Bureau page on the synod website:

https://scsw-elca.org/resources/speakers-bureau/

Direct link to David’s contact page:

https://scsw-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SCSWSpeaker.MORSTAD.pdf

SCSW

Speaker’s Bureau

November 20, 2019 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

November 21, 2019 9:00 am - noon

A LIVE STREAMED STEWARDSHIP EVENT SPONSORED BY

THE SOUTH-CENTRAL SYNOD OF WI

Hosted by: New Life Church

7564 Cottage Grove Road, Madison

Lunch Provided - $35.00 registration fee

Generosity NEXT features plenary speakers who are thought leaders on cutting-edge topics related to faithful

stewardship and generosity in the North American cultural landscape.

Receiving offerings has been an ongoing part of the church’s story, beginning with the earliest scripture texts.

Spirited Generosity: Offering Vitality in the 21st Century will explore the history and theology of the offering, its

spiritual significance, and how faith communities can continue to make congregational giving a vital practice

in 21st-century culture.

Spirited Generosity will feature these four plenary sessions:

• Historical and theological review of the offering in Judeo/Christian culture

• The Offering as Worship: theological and biblical aspects of the offering as an act of

worship, discipleship, and mission

• Cultural Influences on the Offering: technology, generational differences, and the place of church in society

• Best Practices for the Offering: making the offering a meaningful moment when faith communities gather

Generosity NEXT is provided by the Ecumencial Stewardship Center: As a

Network for Growing Stewards, the Ecumenical Stewardship Center helps

the church thrive as it learns to live generously.

Call the synod office to register for this excellent event!

(608) 270-0201

Offe r ing v i ta l i t y i n the 21 s t centu ry

FAITH IN NUMBERS – FREE REGISTRATION

FOR FIRST 10 CHURCHES THAT SIGN UP!

Guiding Churches & Religious

Organizations on a Path to Financial

Accountability

OCTOBER 22 / 9am - 4 pm

Location: Blackhawk Church, Middleton,

WI

To register:

https://www.wegnercpas.com/faith-in-

numbers/

The 4th Annual Faith in Numbers, hosted

by Wegner CPAs, is two weeks away and

we want to make sure you are there! They

are offering free registrations for the first 10

churches that sign up using the code:

FINSPONSOR.

This day is filled with relevant breakout

sessions including

• What Policies Do I need In My

Congregation?

• Donor-Advised Funds: An

Introduction and Key Strategies;

• Key Performance Indicators: Track

What is Important to You; , and a

• Does Culture Matter? Roundtable;

Funding & Facilitating Construction

with a Frugal Mindset;

• Seven Ways to Fail Your Donors;

• High Functioning Church Boards – How to be the best!

All of these sessions are filled with tips that you can take straight back to your organization and implement. The

impact of this day is made not only with the presentations, but through all of the connections created

between the attendees of this conference. Collaborate with other churches, listen to other organization’s pain

points, share your success stories, and make this conference our best one yet!

Please click HERE to see the full agenda. and register for the event.

One of our synod’s pastors is on the panel of the 12:45 breakout

session, Rev. Jim Hearne, Barneveld Lutheran Church!

Thank you to LOPPW Advisory Council Member Pastor Andy Twiton of Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison

for coming up with the idea of engaging young adults and to LOPPW Volunteer Margaret Staniforth for

helping to organize this with her great ideas and experience! We hope this will be a model for other parts

of WI and the UP!

Oakwood Village University Woods Seeks

Sunday Worship Service Volunteer Group –

Can You Help?

Oakwood is looking for (3 people) to help on

the 3rd Sunday of January, March, May, July,

September and November, starting in

2020. 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. Families can be an option, with children at least 10 years old. Help

residents in wheelchairs get to and from the service in Oakwood’s chapel; stay with the residents

during the service; help collect the offering and/or give communion. For more information, contact

Volunteer Services Coordinator Kim Viney at (608)230-4238 or kim.viney@oakwoodvillage.net.

Spanish

Immersion

Program The Caribbean Synod will be

sponsoring a Spanish Immersion

program.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, contact DEM, Rev. Walter Bareis at (608) 270-0201 or

walterb@scsw-elca.org

Date: January 24 to February 1, 2020 Registration fee: $600

Instructor: Dr. Gina Mussulman

Supplies required: Bilingual bible and notebook

Site for lodging and food (Breakfast and lunch): Sinodo del Caribe Camp.

Site for classes: San Marcos Evangelical Lutheran Church, Guanabo. Classes daily from 6pm to 9pm.

In order to participate please contact the Synod office (608)270-0201. Email: robynz@scsw-elca.org

Documentaries & Discussions – October 30 – HEALING JUSTICE

Endorsed by the SCSW Racial Equity Ministry Team

6:30 – 8:30 pm

Madison Christian Community

7118 Old Sauk Road, Madison

Explores causes and consequences of the current North American justice system on marginalized

communities. Addresses the school-to-prison pipeline, the need for comprehensive criminal justice reform, and

the importance of healing and restorative practices.

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Lakeview Lutheran Church-4001 Mandrake Road, Madison – OPEN TO ALL!

608-244-6181 http://www.lakeviewlutheranchurch.org

Serving family style dinner at noon in the East Hall. Menu includes roasted turkey and gravy, homemade

stuffing, real mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, corn, cabbage slaw, pumpkin

pie, dinner rolls and beverages. There is no cost to this meal but we encourage making a reservation of

numbers only by calling the church office. We are not able to make deliveries of the meal and carry out is

available once all the people in the dinner room and volunteers have been served.

Those who wish to volunteer should call 244-6181 and sign up for one of the volunteer options with Laura.

This meal is available to anyone who would like to celebrate the day with others. The environment is casual

and comfortable and the food is excellent.

PREPARE/ENRICH Training and Refresher Training Programs – Starting Oct. 31

PREPARE/ENRICH is a customized couple assessment completed online that identifies a

couple's strength and growth areas. Based on a couple's assessment results, a trained

facilitator provides feedback sessions in which the facilitator helps the couple discuss

and understand their results as they are taught proven relationship skills. This is intended

for couples that are seriously dating or engaged.

There are several goals of the PREPARE/ENRICH Program. In order to achieve these

goals there are exercises designed to help couples improve their relationship skills. The program helps couples:

• Explore strength and growth areas

• Strengthen communication skills

• Identify and manage major stressors

• Resolve conflict using the Ten Step Model

• Develop a more balanced relationship

• Explore family of origin issues

• Discuss financial planning and budgeting

• Establish personal, couple and family goals

• Understand and appreciate personality differences

The next training will be held on Thursday October 31, from 9-4:00 p.m. and is intended for both first time

training and for those wishing a refresher training. Fee for the initial training is $235 or $50 for a refresher training

for those previously trained. For more information contact: Dan Feaster, 608-663-0763 ext. 200 or

dfeaster@samaritancounselingcenterwi.org.

Come to Be Fed and Gather in Beloved Community -

WORSHIP WITH US AT THE SYNOD OFFICE

Thursdays - 12:00 Noon with Brown Bag Lunch at

12:30

Join the synod staff and others on Thursdays for Worship with

Holy Communion.

We are gratefully led by a different preacher each week from

our synod and then gather at 12:30 for brown bag lunch

immediately after worship. It’s always a wonderful informal

and intimate gathering of a few or many! Come take

sabbath time with us and be sent forth as witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection, showing glory to all the world in

Jesus’ name. You will be glad you did!

If you are willing to volunteer your time to lead worship, we would love to have pastors, deacons or interns

lead us. Worship is a simple service consisting typically of a gathering song, word, meal, prayers and sending

song. Contact Robyn Zimmerman at robynz@scsw-elca.org if you would like to share your time and talent this

way.

Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner – Christ (DeForest)

Saturday, November 9

Christ Lutheran Church

220 S. Main Street – DeForest

9:00 am – 6:00 pm Seating every hour from 11 am – 5 pm

Featuring the best tasting Lutefisk (according to their people), Homemade

Meatballs, and Potato Lefse

Bake Sale and Bazaar

Adults: $18 4-12 yrs: $9 Under 4 yrs: Free

Walk-Ins are Welcome

Walk in tickets available beginning 10:00 am

Call ahead or order on line for your Carry Out Meal!

*Handicap accessible* (608) 846-4718

Reservations accepted through Noon, Wed. Nov. 6 www.christlutherandeforest.org or Google Lutefisk-CLC

NEXUS – High School Summertime Youth Experience –

June 28 – July 23, 2020 or July 12-17, 2020

Dig deep into Christian theology

Immerse in Christian Community

Discern God’s call on your life

Summer’s 2020 Theme is Hope Over Fear

Apply for the NEXUS Institute!

Nexus is a free, week-long, on-campus experience for high school students in

grades 10-12 that will change your life. Come live in the residence halls, explore

the city of Des Moines, make new friends from around the country who are

passionate about learning and living for Jesus, just like you!

To register and for more information: https://www.nexusgv.org/

I gnite the Church Conference, Feb. 11-13, 2020

Get inspired, encouraged, challenged and warmed up at the Ignite the Church

Conference in Orlando, Florida, February 11-13. In addition to large group

gatherings on Congregational Vitality, there will be electives on Reaching

Younger Generations, Expanding Kingdom Impact, Church Renewal and

Discipleship, Renewing Music, Vitality through Mission, Engaging Your

Neighborhood, Evangelism, Social Justice, and Raising Up Leaders along with a

visit to Orlando’s Castle Church Brewing Community.

A $99 discounted rate, including 2 meals and snacks, is available until November

30th.

All proceeds benefit the ELCA Fund for Leaders. For more information go to

www.IgniteTheChurch.net. #ignitethechurch

Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Retreat, 2019 Nov. 17-19

This is just around the corner. There are still openings, so you can still register. Register NOW to help with planning and to reserve your spot and room! to Register: https://strengtheningthesoulofleadership.org/

November 17– NOVEMBER 19, GREEN LAKE, WISCONSIN

“I’m tired of helping others enjoy God. I just want to enjoy God for myself.”

With this painful admission, Ruth Haley Barton invites us to an honest exploration of what happens when spiritual leaders lose track of their souls.

Jesus indicates that it is possible to gain the whole world but lose your own soul. If he were speaking to us as church leaders today, he might point out that it is possible to gain the whole world of ministry success and lose your own soul. So how do you know if it’s happening to you?

In the Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership retreat, you will assess the state of your own soul and explore practical ways of forging a stronger connection between your soul and your leadership. Topics include: solitude as the place of our own spiritual seeking, the dynamics of calling,

spiritual rhythms in the life of the leader, and leading from your authentic self.

Who Should Attend:

• Pastors & Deacons • Pastoral staff & Lay Leaders

• Congregational Members • Leaders of Ministry organizations • Denominational Executives

Retreat Location:

Green Lake Conference Center W2511 State Road 23 Green Lake, WI 54941

Experience Ruth-Haley Barton in a non-hastened time together! See all the details following here:

Housing and Meal Reservations: The retreat will be held at the Green Lake Conference Center (GLCC), nestled in a lovely wooded setting on the shores of beautiful Green Lake in central Wisconsin. To learn more about the Conference Center: http://glcc.org Cost: Retreat Registration: The cost for registration is $150. This includes all materials, refreshments and teaching for the entire retreat. Click here to register. Rooms and Meals: Rooms and meal charges will be paid directly to Green Lake Conference Center. A block of rooms has been reserved for the Strengthening the Soul of Leadership Retreat. There are a variety of rooms available ranging in price from $102 to $133 per night. Please consider booking a private room for yourself rather than sharing in order to give more uninterrupted time to your relationship with God. The retreat schedule will include 5 reasonably priced group meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners for a total cost of $60 for meals. The retreat will be dismissed on Tuesday mid-day. If you wish to have lunch at GLCC on Tuesday, please let GLCC know at least 2 weeks prior to the retreat. (November 2nd) Please call GLCC to make your room reservations: 920-294-3323 and reference booking number 13758. Room charges will be paid to GLCC at the time of the reservation and meals can be paid at arrival. What to bring: Please wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes so that you can enjoy the lovely grounds comfortably. For more information or to register:

https://strengtheningthesoulofleadership.org/ Additionally, you can Call or email Jane Cahill Wolfgram at 608-438-5358 jane@cahillwolfgram.com or Sue Beadle at 608-416-3981 pastorsuebeadle@gmail.com

Co-Sponsored by:

South-Central Synod of Wisconsin

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

God’s work. Our hands.

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH - DeForest, WI

Celebrate ~ Learn ~ Care A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

TRANSFORMING CENTER Strengthen the Soul of Your Leadership

“Even though Jesus often sought times of solace and space to be alone with God, church leaders often look at our full calendars and busy schedules with satisfaction that we are busy growing the Kingdom of God and saving souls. I have been a pastor for over 27 years. In that time, I nearly lost my soul, burned out, and contemplated leaving the ministry. When I read Ruth Haley Barton’s book, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, eight years ago, I found hope that there was another way of being in ministry that was life-giving and sustainable. I fell in love with God again and became excited about ministry.

If you are looking for ways to forge a stronger connection between your soul and your leadership, I encourage you to attend this retreat. You will meet many pastors and ministry leaders who are experiencing the same things—and you will meet those who have fallen in love again with God and God’s church. Come and listen; come and rest; come and be renewed by the grace of God.”

~Sue Beadle, Sr. Pastor Christ Lutheran Church, DeForest, WI

Burke Lutheran Church Craft Bake Sale – November 9 / 8 am – 4 pm

Norewegian Lefse, Unique crafts, quilts and delicious baked goods.

Raffles for Hamilton tickets! (2) and a Fall Quilt

Sandwich plate available all day

BBQ or hot dog, chips, pickle spear, cookie & coffee/lemonade

Adults $4, children 7-12 $2, age 6 and under free

5720 Portage Road/Madison, WI 53718

608.244.8486/www.burkelutheran.org

All are welcome!

Christ Lutheran in Stoughton invites You to Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner

Saturday, December 7, 2019

11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Address: 700 County Highway B, Stoughton

For your enjoyment: Lutefisk, meatballs, mashed potatoes, gray, rutabagas,

cranberries, cole slaw, lefse, Rommegrot, butter, Norwegian Treats, Coffee &

Milk

Adults: $18 Children (4 to 12) $7

All are welcome. Call (608) 835-8520 or email stoughtonlutefisk@gmail.com

for reservation information. Reservations are being accepted NOW!

Congregational Newsletter Editors - please include this in

your newsletters!

WHAT MATTERS - Stay Connected To Synod

Happenings, News, & Events! Grow in your faith and leadership! Stay connected to exciting

events and stories of our faith in action in our synod! To sign up for

synod news, please email Assistant to the Bishop for Synodical Life,

Deacon Vicki Hanrahan at

vickih@scsw-elca.org to be added to “What Matters.”

Baby Grand Piano for Sale: 2004 Kawai GE-30 - very light use.

Asking price is 11K. If you might be interested, contact Corinne at

rinneferguson@gmail.com.

Positions in the Synod We are happy to help promote your positions. Please submit 100 words or less to Deacon Vicki Hanrahan,

Synod Communicator, email: vickih@scsw-elca.org Please notify Vicki when the position has been filled so

that we can keep this list current. Thanks!

Weekend Maintenance Position Open - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Madison and Verona

Good Shepherd is looking for a person to help clean up our two campuses following worship on Sunday

morning from noon-6 p.m. on Sundays. We are looking for a conscientious, hardworking individual with a good

driving record, since you will need to drive between the two campuses. Please send applications to Director of

Administration Rick Blum at rblum@gslcwi.com or call (608) 640-4902. (10/01/19)

Director of Music Ministry - Bristol Lutheran Church, Sun Prairie, WI

Position includes directing and accompanying the Chancel Choir (adult) and keyboard responsibilities on

Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Choir has about 20 members. We have an 8-year-old Kawai 6'

grand in the sanctuary. The organ will be a 13 rank Casavant, which is in the final stages of installation. Salary is

dependent on experience, with the pay range between $100 and $135 per service. The Chancel Choir salary

is between $3500 and $4000 per 9-month annual period. Interested? Contact our parish administrative

assistant, Karen Kane, at 608-837-6093 or secretary2@bristollutheran.org. (09/05/19)

Full-Time Chaplain - Skaalen Retirement Services - Stoughton, WI

Skaalen Retirement Services is a Lutheran retirement community that has been providing care and support of

seniors in need since 1900. Skaalen Retirement Services is seeking a full-time Chaplain to provide spiritual care

to by promoting a spiritual environment within the campus by leading worship services, providing prayer

services, conducting Bible study, leading religious discussions, providing religious education and hymn sings

with residents and patients in all levels of care. The successful candidate will need to be ordained in the

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Ecclesiastical Specialized Care Endorsement status from the ELCA,

and is Board Certified Chaplain status from the Association of Professional Chaplains. (09/05/19)

Worship & Music Director/Lead Accompanist (Piano) - All Saints (Fitchburg)

This is a part time position. Responsibilities include: regularly accompanying All Saints in Worship at both the

classic blended service & the New Song Praise Worship; directing the choir with weekly rehearsals & twice

monthly performance; leading New song Band twice monthly; and assisting the pastor & Worship and Music

team with planning worship liturgies and music. Resumes can be sent to office@allsaints-madison.org. Please

return application by September 15. Full job description provided upon request. (08/27/19)

AV Coordinator Part Time First Lutheran Church Janesville

First Lutheran is seeking an AV Coordinator to operate and oversee the audio and video-recording equipment

at First Lutheran Church. The coordinator will schedule and train operators for worship and events. Additional

duties relating to the sound equipment will be provided on an as needed basis. This part-time position reports

to the Senior Pastor. Send resume to office@flcj.org (08/13/19)

Administrative Assistant - St. Paul's Lutheran (Baraboo)

St. Paul's is looking for an experienced office professional to cover administrative and secretarial duties. This is

a part time (30 hrs/ week) position with regular office hours: Monday - Thursday (9am-12; 1-4pm) and Fridays

(9am-12). Please contact Pastor Karen Hofstad @ pastor@stpaulslutheranchurch.us or 608-434-3397 with any

inquiries or questions. A detailed job description can be provided upon request. Application deadline: Friday,

August 23rd. (07/22/19)

Lutheran Campus Ministry Seeks Meal Program Coordinator

Lutheran Campus Ministry seeks a Meal Program Coordinator for its Taste of Grace Community Lunch. Serving

about 100 students per weekday during the academic term, our community meal supports students

experiencing food insecurity and nurtures community and friendships in an environment of genuine

hospitality. An ideal candidate for this half-time position will have experience in large scale cooking in an

institutional setting and interest in working with students and volunteers to create a welcoming community. For

more information visit: http://www.lcmmadison.org/job-openings/ Questions may be directed to Emily Tveite,

Campus Pastor & Director (emily@lcmmadison.org) Application deadline: August 15. (07/16/19)

Director of Youth and Family Ministries / Coordinator for Small Town & Rural (STAR) Youth Ministry Initiative –

Grace Lutheran Church (Dodgeville)

Seeking a creative, caring relationship-builder with a passion for nurturing Christian faith among middle and

high school youth to join our warm-spirited and collaborative staff team. This director will be charged with

overseeing and coordinating our congregation's youth discipleship ministries while pioneering an innovative,

grant-funded initiative to strengthen connections among youth within a wider cohort of southwest Wisconsin

ELCA congregations. Qualified candidates will possess strong organizational and communication skills, a

sincere personal faith compatible with the teaching and practice of the ELCA, and a heart for ministry in a

Small Town and Rural (STAR) context. Position is half-time devoted to Grace youth ministries and quarter-time

to our STAR Youth Ministry Initiate to create a combined .75 FTE employment opportunity. To apply, email a

cover letter and resume to Pastor Mark Williamson at mwilliamson.glc@gmail.com. (07/08/19)

Part-Time Chaplain – Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge Campus, Madison

Part time position for ordained or those with CPE or visitation experience to help cover on call duties, and

potentially be on campus when Chaplain Shannon is not on campus. Candidate would need to be available

on Sundays to preach in chapel on days when Chaplain is away on a Sunday. Anyone interested in this

opportunity to serve can contact the Oakwood HR department at 608-230-4530, or Chaplain Wayne Shannon,

at 608-230-4561. (07/02/19)

Music Director - St. John’s, Madison

Vibrant, urban congregation with multiple instrumental groups seeks 15 to 20 hour a week music director to

nurture the gifts and skills of members within the congregation and connect with other musicians in the

broader community. For a full position description and application instructions, visit St. John’s website:

https://www.stjohnsmadison.org/employment-opportunities (06/25/19)

Part-Time Office Assistant, St. James Lutheran Church, Verona

This position is approximately 16-20 hours a week. Please send all inquiries to Michelle

at mlichty@stsjamesverona.org Please note, email inquiries only. (05/28/19)

Digital Communications-Media Intern - Good Shepherd (Madison & Verona)

Good Shepherd is looking for a motivated, strategic storyteller who will create and distribute written and digital

communications to members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Candidates will work with the

communications ministry team to create content and need to be proficient with web-based content delivery

platforms and social networks, including WordPress, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Candidates must be college students majoring in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, or Journalism.

They will also need a valid Driver’s License, an ability to pass a background check and be available to work

full-time for the duration of the 10-week program. This internship is a paid $12/hour, 40-hours-a-week position

during the summer months. To apply, send your cover letter and resume to eholmer@gslcwi.com, or apply

online at http://gslcwi.com/connect/jobs/ (01/15/19)

Wisconsin Council of Churches Employment Opportunities

https://www.wichurches.org/resources/employment-opportunities/

At-A-Glance Future Synod Events:

Please see the Congregational Events page on the Synod’s EVENTS page of the

website for more events that will be hosted by congregations of our synod. Thanks!

http://www.scsw-elca.org/congregational_events.aspx

November 2 – Special Meeting of the Synod Assembly – Our Savior’s Sun Prairie

November 11-13 – First Call Theological Education (Marathon City)

November 14 – SCSW Equipping the Saints Webinar on Constitutions (See ad this issue)

November 17 – 19 – Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Retreat – Green Lake Conference Center

November 20 & 21 – Spirited Generosity Stewardship Live Streamed Event – New Life Church (Madison)

November 21 – Retired Pastor’s Gathering – Location Update: St. John’s Lutheran Church (Oregon)

Updates on Congregations in the Call Process and Rostered Leader Updates Call process and roster changes are updated on the synod website monthly. Please

keep these congregations and rostered leaders in your prayers.

Link: http://scsw-elca.org/resources/callprocess/

Prayers

Of celebration

For Our Savior’s (Sun Prairie) on their 60th Anniversary!

Rev. Dr. David Berggren who served for 1/3 of the congregation’s life, was

invited to preach at the celebration worship. Soggy Prairie Band sent the

assembly and provided entertainment for lunch. Blessings Our Savior’s for this

milestone anniversary!

LUAD: (Lutherans United Assisting After Disasters Synod Team)

• Rob Malewicki, Hope, Milton, WI

• Dale Meyer, St Peter’s, Loganville

Synod Seminary Student:

• Anne Wickland - Anne is a student at Lutheran School of Theology at

Chicago.

Pastors and Congregations in our Synod:

• Rev. Sara Rabe, Pastor, and members of Covenant Lutheran Church, Stoughton, WI

• Rev. Kurt Billings & Rev. Peter Narum, Pastors, and members of St. James Lutheran Church, Verona, WI

Neighboring Synods:

• Bishop Kurt Kusserow and the congregations of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod

Churchwide Partners:

• Dr. Kathryn Johnson, Director for ELCA Ecumenical InterReligious Relations, Office of the Presiding

Bishop at the ELCA Lutheran Center, Chicago, IL

• Ms. Kathryn Lohre, Asst. to the Bishop & Executive for Ecumenical & Interreligious Relations &

Theological Discernment, Office of the Presiding Bishop at the ELCA Lutheran Center, Chicago, IL

We give thanks at this time for the ministry of those who celebrate their anniversary of Ordination during this

coming week:

Rev. Lisa Nelson, October 31, 1993, Pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran, Madison, WI nelsonkosky@gmail.com

Rev. Richard Collier, October 31, 1982, Interim Pastor of St. Matthew (New Life), Madison, WI

revcollier@sbcglobal.net

Rev. Sande Nelson, November 01, 1974, Retired Pastor Banglamung Chonburi, Thailand

sande_N99@yahoo.com

Rev. Peter Sherven, November 04, 1973, Retired Pastor Madison, WI psherven@charter.net

Deacon Judy Nolde, November 04, 2016, Chaplain at Central Wisconsin Center, Madison, WI

judynolde@sbcglobal.net

May these leaders continue to be blessed for service.

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Remember, when you see this symbol, this is a news item that should be put in your congregational

newsletters! Thanks for your partnership.

Congregations can feel free to reprint these pages for your congregational use. Reprint permission provided

by: South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA – 6401 Odana Road, Suite 20, Madison, WI 53719. Please

reference as seen in Synod e-news, “What Matters” in your reprint. Questions can be directed to Deacon Vicki

Hanrahan at the synod office: (608) 270-0201.

Share your news. If you have something you would like considered for publication in What Matters, send it to

Communications & Event Manager, Deacon Vicki Hanrahan, at vickih@scsw-elca.org.

Visit our website: www.scsw-elca.org

Following Jesus, who commanded his followers, ‘Just as I have loved you, you also should love one

another,’ and believing that all persons are created in the image of God, the South-Central Synod

of Wisconsin, ELCA, strives to be fully inclusive for all. This synod welcomes people of every race,

background, age, political affiliation, economic and social status, sexual orientation, gender

identity and expression, and mental and physical ability, while striving to enable all people to

participate fully in the life and work of the church and its expressions.