Racine Lutheran High seniors learn leadership...Director Adam Kirsch led many of the activities....

Mar./Apr. 2009

IN THIS ISSUEBible-listening projectpage 3

Urgent needs indisaster responsePage 4

Is your congregationready for disaster?Page 5

Church worker newsPage 6

Concordia athletebattles cancerpage 7

Around the Districtpage 8

Teachers mentor ‘2+2’6

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“Leaders get involved,strengthen the organization, andbring out the best in others,” saidElisabeth Michael, a teacher atRacine Lutheran High School. En-couraging leadership was the ob-jective as the school took the classof 2009 seniors to a leadership re-treat at Walcamp Outdoor Minis-tries in Kingston, Ill.

Teens took to the high ropescourse, conquered a log-climbingchallenge, strived to focus and fol-low directions while blindfolded,learning trust and teamwork alongthe way. Racine Lutheran Athletic

Racine Lutheran High seniors learn leadership

Seniors Nathanael Poppe and Nathan Murray tackle the logchallenge.

Samantha Pederson begins a climbwith encouragement from classmates.

Director Adam Kirsch led manyof the activities.

Students led campfire devo-tions focusing on Christian lead-ership and learned to recognizeand use their God-given gifts.“The ‘born leader’ concept is crip-pling to today’s young people,”Michael said. “Instead of lookingfor one hero, each member of agroup must learn to contributehis gifts and abilities to an effort,leading through servanthood.During our activities, we helpedstudents to identify their own giftsand the gifts of their team mem-bers. That was a very positive ex-perience.”

Why seniors? “The seniorclass typically sets the tone for theschool year,” said Michael.“Younger students follow theirlead. We hope the annual seniorleadership retreat will help thembecome a strong, positive groupof leaders—in school and in life.”

Retreat costs were under-written by a grant from ThriventFinancial for Lutherans.

The school is grateful to JimAumann, Abby Bickel, Julie Bickel,Nate Bickel, Kevin Hasseldahl, KatieHolewinski, Adam Kirsch, ElisabethMichael, Barb Milow and BenWalther for planning and leadingthe retreat. For more information,please visit racinelutheran.org.

District Convention has March deadlines fornominations, delegates, overtures

Officer nomination forms havebeen distributed to South Wiscon-sin congregations, delegates arebeing chosen and plans are beingmade to accommodate an assemblyof more than 700 Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) members atConcordia University Wisconsin inMequon June 7-9, 2009.

Rev. Dr. Norbert Oesch, a Pas-toral Leadership Institute founder,will begin the convention, preach-ing at the opening service and lead-ing two Bible studies. Rev. MattHarrison, executive director ofLCMS World Relief & Human Care,will have two presentations and willalso preach at the closing service.

The synodical representativewill be LCMS President GeraldKieschnick. The Blue RibbonTaskforce for Structure and Gover-nance will present options for con-sideration and discussion regardingproposed synodical changes.

New this year, a “gemütlicheit”event is being planned on the his-toric grounds of Trinity-Freistadt inMequon for the Monday evening

dinner June 8.The 64th Synod convention will

be held July 10-17, 2010 in Houston,Texas. That convention serves as theprincipal legislative assembly for thechurch body, but not every congre-gation and every church worker willbe there. That is one reason why dis-trict conventions are important.

Districts meet in convention ev-ery three years the year before thenational Synod convention. Thisyear, each of the 35 districts in TheLutheran Church—Missouri Synodwill meet in convention to elect dis-trict leaders, adopt resolutions per-taining to the district’s business andmission, and to prepare and submitproposals for consideration by theSynod convention. Resolutions re-garding synodical business that passour District convention will then bepresented to the Synod conventionas overtures.

Each parish has the right and re-sponsibility to send a pastoral del-egate and a lay representative. Allordained and commissioned minis-

(continued on page 7)

2 South Wisconsin News March/April 2009

No one has to tell us that we areliving in a time unlike any that manyof us have known. We have all heardthe comparisons to recessions of thepast. Grandparents tell stories of the

Great Depression. Some of us are old enough to remember chal-lenging times like this. Some of us are not. Times like this causeeveryone to struggle with many things; but most especially withbasic, core values.

That is so because we live in a time when many of the thingswe were taught to trust are no longer dependable. We haveseen retirement accounts lose value. We were always taught thatreal estate was a sound investment. However, have you had yourhome appraised lately? Many neighborhoods have a home ortwo that is empty because the bank has repossessed it. It hap-pened right next to us a couple of weeks ago. The neighborsmoved out. The house is empty. Their kids are no longer outplaying in the snow. Financial institutions that were so much apart of the landscape have disappeared. Strip malls have morevacant stores than we can remember in the past. We all knowsomeone who has been laid off, or we know an employer whohas had to struggle over how many and who to let go. Perhapswe have even heard of churches taking a hard look at the num-ber of staff they employ.

This is a time during which we are forced to examine ourlives, to ask hard questions. What is really valuable? What is reallydependable? Those are questions mankind has always struggledwith during difficult times. The Prophet Isaiah cuts to the heart ofthe matter when he writes in his 40th chapter, “All men are likegrass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grasswithers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blowson them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and theflowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

The Word of our God is the only certain and dependablecommodity that we have. The Word of our God always takes usto the same location; to the cross and to the tomb. Both the crossand the tomb are about the curse of our sin. Both the cross andthe tomb are about God’s love for sinners. Both the cross and thetomb are about the journey that begins on Ash Wednesday. Itleads through the Garden where Jesus endures our fear, ouranxiety and our curse. Our trials are sanctified by his trials as he iscondemned by Caiaphas and Pilate. Because he suffers we areblessed. Because he dies we have forgiveness. Because he rosewe are given life: spiritual life and eternal life.

Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Easter are more than merely wordson a calendar. Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Easter are about God’senduring gift to us. With that in mind the writer of the Letter tothe Hebrews writes, “Here we do not have an enduring city, butwe are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, there-fore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruitof lips that confess his name” (Hebrews 13:14f).

Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Easter. It is time to value what’sreally important!

“Thousand, thousand thanks are due, dearest Jesus unto you...”

PASTORS WHO ARE CONSIDERING CALLS:Cory Rajak — Grace, Augusta, WI to Mt. Calvary, Janesville

PASTORS WHO HAVE ACCEPTED CALLS:Wayne Ahrens — Cross, Yorkville, IL to First Immanuel, CedarburgDavid Jensen — St. John, Spokane, WA to Our Savior, Baraboo

PASTORS WHO HAVE DECLINED CALLS:Allen Bramstadt — Divine Savior, North Fond du Lac to Bethle-

hem, Standish, MIAllan Buss — Immanuel, Belvidere, IL to St. John, PlymouthThomas Eggebrecht — Mt. Calvary, Milwaukee to Mt. Olive,

MadisonGary Ruckman — Candidate to Our Savior, Stevensville, MT

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

Volume 33, Number 28100 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: MAY/JUNE 2009SUBMISSION DEADLINE — APRIL 1Send your news to: [email protected]

CALLS & V A C A N C I E SCONGREGATIONS CALLING PASTORS:Fond du Lac — HopeJanesville — Mt. CalvaryMadison — Mt. OliveManitowoc — Redeemer (eval.)

Muscoda/Highland — St. Peter/Christ(eval.)

Plymouth — St. JohnSheboygan — Immanuel (eval.)

South Wisconsin DistrictSouth Wisconsin DistrictSouth Wisconsin DistrictSouth Wisconsin DistrictSouth Wisconsin Districtfinancial snapshotfinancial snapshotfinancial snapshotfinancial snapshotfinancial snapshotFor the 11 months ending December 31, 2008

12/31/08 12/31/07Revenue $2,543,322 $2,647,036Expenses 2,909,149 2,806,774Loss -365,827 -159,738

1/31/09 1/31/08Congregational support $2,390,733 $2,540,643Decrease in income -149,910

Rev. John C. Wille

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Subscribe to “eConnect,” the president’smonthly e-mail newsletter and get

the latest news delivered to your inbox.swd.lcms.org/e-news

The Cross:Dependable andtrustworthy

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

Seven congregations in kick off

Rejuvenating churches

Notice of nondiscriminatory policy as to studentsThe Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee,

operating Lake Country Lutheran High School, Martin Luther HighSchool and Milwaukee Lutheran High School, admits students ofany race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges,programs and activities generally accorded or made available to stu-dents at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race,color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educationalpolicies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, andathletic and other school administered programs.

LOVE TO TRAVEL? Visit Germany,Luther sites, and OberammergauPassion Play 2010. Maximum 25 par-ticipants. Limited space is still available.For more information call Rev. RandalPoppe at (262) 633-4831.

FREE: Braille Lutheran WorshipHymnals in three volumes. Avail-able for pickup at St. Mark, Milwau-kee. Call (414) 258-7118.

FREE: 150 copies of LutheranWorship hymnals. Pickup at St.Paul, Brown Deer. Call (414) 355-5030.

FREE: Used altar paraments ingreen, red, purple and white inhonor of the church seasons. CallGood Shepherd, Two Rivers, from8 a.m. to noon Monday throughThursday at (920) 793-1716. Ship-ping available if recipient pays.

CLCLCLCLCLASSIFIEDASSIFIEDASSIFIEDASSIFIEDASSIFIED

Review, rejoice and rejuve-nate—those are the three “R’s”of SWD’s rejuvenating churchesplan, which began Jan. 31, 2009.The pastors and congrega-tional leaders of seven Districtcongregations will meet in“learning communities” once amonth for the next twelvemonths. They will review wherethey came from, where they aretoday and where they want togo. Together they willrejoice in God’sabundant grace andblessing that hasnever failed them,and never will. Indi-vidually these con-gregations will then

rejuvenate their mission, mak-ing it wholeheartedly focusedon the Great Commission.

Please join us in the prayerthat God’s blessings on the ef-forts of Rev. Leonard Paytonand Bob Gleason, who are di-recting the rejuvenating pro-cess, and on these participatingcongregations will translateinto many souls sought and

found for eternity! Ifyour congregation isinterested in learn-

ing more about“RejuvenatingC h u r c h e s ”please call theDistrict office at(800) 793-3678.

Position available:House manager

A Place of Refuge Ministriesof South Wisconsin welcomesapplications to fill the positionof house manager for RefugeHouse, APOR’s residential facil-ity in Milwaukee. As an LCMSrecognized service organiza-tion, A Place of Refuge exists toaid mothers in choosing togive life to their unborn ba-bies. The position of housemanager is designed for some-one, perhaps a deaconess,with a heart for human careand spiritual growth.

Responsibilities include:• Working with each resident

on the development of aplan to help her grow spiri-tually;

• Encouraging mothers tomaintain their health andthe health of their develop-ing child;

• Helping the women developskills needed to live a God-pleasing, independent life;

• Setting an example of livinga Christ-centered family life.

Qualified candidateswill be:• A member in good standing

of an LCMS congregation.• Committed to the LCMS

pro-life position;• Of good Christian character,

patient, understanding,kindhearted, able to workwith birth mothers andshare the faith with them;

• Resourceful, a self-starter,energetic, flexible, and or-ganized.

Salary is commensuratewith degree and ministry ex-perience. Inquiries may besent to Rev. David Paape (APORchairman), at [email protected] 8080 N. 47th St., BrownDeer, WI 53223.

Volunteer needed APOR also needs a volun-

teer with Quickbooks account-ing software experience. Shortterm assistance and/or ongo-ing help for approximately fivehours monthly would begreatly appreciated. ContactEd Perkins at (414) 535-1805.

March/April 2009 South Wisconsin News 3

Bible-listening project sets schools Ablaze! in God’s WordThe distribution of 24,000

BibleSticks® (digital audioBibles) at the 2007 nationalyouth gathering was just thebeginning of a partnership be-tween LCMS World Missionwith Hosanna Ministries of Al-buquerque, N.M., and theAmerican Bible Society to be aconduit for bringing God’sWord to the world. The part-nership included initial finan-cial commitments exceeding amillion dollars. Since that time,LCMS World Mission and itspartners have been busy en-gaging in the next phases ofthe missionary Ablaze! Bible-listening project.

The current phase, offeredto all LCMS elementaryschools, is funded through giftsto Fan into Flame. But the im-pact of those gifts on bringingGod’s Word to the world willbe multiplied many times.

The Ablaze! Bible listeningproject for Lutheran schoolsprovides resources for:

1. Listening for 20 days tothe “Life of Jesus” from God’sWord—CD, digital audioplayer, and DVD technology al-lows students to listen to God’sWord at school or on the go.

2. Sharing the Word ofGod with people you know—

students hear, share and dis-cuss Bible stories with their fami-lies and share audio Bible resourceswith others.

3. Bring-ing the Wordof God to stu-dents in In-dia—students,schools, andfamilies getinvolved insupportingBible-listen-ing projectsfor studentsin India whoalso need tohear aboutJesus. Thisspecial inter-national ini-tiative iscarried out by a partnership ofFaith Comes by Hearing/HosannaMinistries, LCMS World Mission,and the India Evangelical LutheranChurch (IELC) —an internationalpartner church of the LCMS.

The school program con-sists of two approaches: one forgrades 1-4 and another ingrades 5-8.

Students in grades 1-4 re-ceive a DVD that contains a digi-tal audio recording of portionsof the New Testament. This

“Kidz Bible®” is a product ofHosanna Ministries. Using aspecial guide, teachers help

students lis-ten to spe-cific portionsof Scriptureover a four-week period.Students alsotake the DVDhome so thatfamily andfriends canparticipate inlistening toGod’s Word.

As partof the pro-gram, stu-dents canshare listen-ing to God’s

Word with people in India. Aspecial digital player can besent to one of 80 schools in In-dia so that a listening groupcan be formed to hear God’sWord regularly in English, or inone of seven Indian languages.Some pastors of the IELC al-ready have received their“Proclaimers®” (digital play-ers) to pilot the program. AProclaimer can be sent by ourschools to India for $157.50.

Grades 5-8 follow a similar

pattern except that each stu-dent receives the entire drama-tized NIV New Testament on adigital “BibleStick” player—about the size of a pack of gum.These personal listening devicesare supplemented with an MP3CD that can be taken home orgiven away to a friend.

The audio Bible is availablein more 300 languages, so stu-dents who speak English as asecond language can down-load language-specific audiofiles for personal listening.Download the digital audioBible in MP3 format fromlcmsbibledownload.com.

The school program wasintroduced to Lutheran teach-ers at last spring’s LutheranEducation Association na-tional conference, whereeach registrant received oneof the BibleSticks and a proto-type 5-8 grade package. Whatwas expected to be a year’ssupply of Bible listening pack-ets for all grade levels was ex-hausted within the first sixweeks of school this past fall.Supplies will be refilled and

ready for Lutheran schools forthe 2009-10 school year.

A college-level version ofthe program was launched atConcordia University, Ann Ar-bor, Mich., last spring. The goalis eventually to offer the pro-gram to all LCMS congrega-tions to involve all members inactive Bible listening, and tobroaden the global outreachby sending Proclaimers aroundthe world.

LCMS World Mission’s part-nership with Hosanna Minis-tries came at the right time,according to Morgan Jackson,international director. Ho-sanna was actively looking fora way to make God’s Wordavailable globally and to beginBible-listening groups in everylanguage for which they havea digital recording. The Faninto Flame campaign fundingand the subsequent participa-tion of LCMS World Mission indeveloping the youth andschools programs was God atwork, Morgan said.

Visit lcms.org/ablazelisteningto learn more and get involved.

“I like the Bible sticks because theyhelp students focus on listening toGod’s Word, rather than readingGod’s Word. It helps students whocan not read as well.”

—Cora Jones, sixth grade

“I have enjoyed the Bible sticksbecause they allow me to hear soundeffects so it is easier to tell who isspeaking and what is happening.”

—Emma Anderson, sixth grade

“The Bible sticks are important tome because I have not had thechance to hear the Word of God asmuch as my classmates.”

—Ryan Nagle, fifth grade

Good Shepherd, WatertownGood Shepherd, WatertownGood Shepherd, WatertownGood Shepherd, WatertownGood Shepherd, Watertown

WAUWATOSA: “Students at all levels were often seen listeningto their BibleSticks as they waited to be picked up at the end ofthe day, as they spent time in before or after school care, andeven while watching siblings participate in sports. One fathercame in during the school day to give the Bible stick to his child,confessing that he had been listening as he brought his child toschool, and just ‘had to finish’ the selection he was listening to.A number of families reported that they listened to the CD ver-sion of the recording in their cars or at home.

—Jim Van Dellen, assistant principal, Our RedeemerRACINE: “We are doing the Bible listening project in March asa school. Our collection for National Lutheran Schools Week willgo towards the India project. We are planning then to hand theplayers out to area families around our school as an outreachproject.” —St. John, Racine

HALES CORNERS: “Every student in grades 1-5 received anMP3 player with the Bible on it. I must say this was quite a hitwith the students! It was awesome to see them listening to theBible during work time and even coming in to school in themorning to tell me, “I fell asleep listening to the Bible last night,”or “I listened to the Bible on the school bus this morning!” Thestudents were truly excited about this new way to learn aboutthe Bible.... After the students enjoyed the Bible, we talked aboutthe importance of spreading God’s Word, and how neat it wouldbe for someone who did not know about Jesus to hear the Bibleon the MP3 player. The students were given a goal to give theirMP3 players away to someone who might not know about Jesusor to someone who could benefit from hearing the Bible.”

—Jenny Zirbel, teacher

Austin Frommgen (Watertown)relaxes, listening to the Bible.

IELC President J. Samuel distributes149 “Proclaimers” in 10 differentlanguages to pastors in India.

What Wisconsin students are saying...

Emma Anderson (Watertown) listens to theBible and writes in her journal.“I enjoy that the Bible sticks ...

can fit in my pocket easily. Italso gives me some one onone time with the Bible.”

—Abi Hartwig, fifth grade

“The Bible sticks have taught mesome things that I have notlearned before in my religionclasses and Sunday Schoolclasses. I enjoy the dailyjournaling about things that Ihave questions about.”

—Kate Gochanour, fifth grade

Left to right: SWD President John Wille, Rev. Donald Hougard, Professor Ron Mudge, Vicar GuiKasongo Kabeo, Rev. Daniel McMiller, Rev. Dr. Wilhem Weber and Kasongo’s brother Franc.

Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Weber, rec-tor of Lutheran TheologicalSeminary in Tshwane (Pretoria,South Africa), recently met withPresident John Wille and mem-bers of the South Wisconsin Dis-trict to discuss African ministry.

He visited local pastors andcongregations includingBenediction, Milwaukee and ElmGrove, Elm Grove. Professor RonMudge of Concordia Univer-sity Wisconsin served in French-speaking West Africa, including

Togo. He has been assisting theDistrict and Rev. Don Hougardin giving Kasongo informationon the state of Lutheranism inthe Democratic Republic of theCongo and the region in gen-eral.

South African seminary rector discussesAfrican ministry with local leaders


Food pantry helped many in need in 2008

Urgent needs in disaster response: Ice storms, drought reliefHouseholds in Arkan-

sas, Kentucky and Missouriwithout power after icestorms. More than 200,000Kentucky residents remainedweeks without power accord-ing to the Kentucky Public Ser-vice Commission, andArkansas Governor MikeBeebe declared 32 counties di-saster areas after ice storms inJanuary.

Much help was given to thosein need last year by God’s graceand the efforts of Rev. ChristianIkanih as a missionary-at-largeand pastor of Bethany, Milwau-kee. “Bethany and the African im-migrant ministry together gaveout food baskets and clothing toneedy families in the communityin 2008,” Ikanih said. “We havebeen providing these basic neces-sities for the past thirty-five years.”

In 2008 the African immigrantministry (AIM) fed and clothed 200families just during the Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas holidays. Foodbaskets were carefully packed tocontain the necessary ingredientsfor a wholesome meal includingham or turkey and all the fixings.Thanks to Cory Kilponen’s valuableexperience with the shopping, theywere able to provide a range ofhealthy foods.

In emergencies, the most chal-lenging need is to find food andclothing. “It is not unusual for thefamilies in our community to run outof food,” said Frank McGowan, whooversees the food pantry. “Andguess what? The first place they callis the church.”

According to a recent reportpublished by IMPACT regarding211 services referral phone linesin Milwaukee County, the cat-egory with the highest call vol-ume was for “basic needs whichmakes up 32% of all MilwaukeeCounty callers. Caller needs in thebasic needs category has seenspectacular increase within thepast year, 2008, to about 85% ofall calls.” This increase coincideswith the harsh realities of the eco-nomic downturn.

Caryl Ninaus, the church sec-retary who receives a majority of

the calls, agreed that the weeklynumber of calls reflects the highlevel of need in the inner city ofMilwaukee.

Bethany and AIM are proudto not only address basic needs,but also by helping each personwho comes to their door learnabout Jesus Christ. Volunteers andfinancial support come from indi-viduals and donors such as Sie-bert Foundation, Pick ’n’ Save,Corp Care – Two Tunic Clothing,the South Wisconsin District,Lutheran Church Extension Fund,sister congregations, food indus-tries and neighborhood storefronts.

“We thank all of you for yourpast support,” Ikanih said. “Wewill continue to provide these ser-vices and prayerfully challengeyou to consider how you maycontinue to be involved.”

Although crews are work-ing to restore power after a lateJanuary ice storm hit areas of Mis-souri, Arkansas, and Kentucky,some residents may wait an-other month before their lightscome on.

LCMS congregationsand LCMS World Reliefand Human Care are ex-tending help to theirneighbors after a storm

that some call the worst inmemory.

For nearly two weeks, St.John in Lafe, Ark., acted as astaging area, providing hun-dreds of meals to residents

and electrical crews. LCMSWorld Relief provideda grant to cover gro-ceries and other

costs, in-cluding

the purchase of generators forthe church and its members.

Famine strikes theLutheran church in Kenya.The Kenyan government de-clared a state of emergencyJan. 9. Two seasons of drought,high fertilizer cost, and dis-placed farmers due to thecountry's political unrest inDecember 2007 have put 10 mil-lion Kenyans at risk of hunger.

LCMS partner church, theEvangelical Lutheran Church inKenya is also affected by thefood crisis. Congregations innorth Kenya are hard-hit by thedrought.

To learn more about howyou can help with ice stormcleanup efforts, or to make afinancial gift for ice storm orKenya relief, call (888) 930-4438or visit worldrelief.lcms.org.


SOS Center receives grant, preparesto offer GED preparation program

Siebert Foundation President Ron Jones presents a grant to SOSCenter Director Armita Harmon. Deb Engel, Siebert administrativeassistant, is in the center.

Thanks to a $46,000 grantfrom the Siebert Foundation,the SOS Center (Struggle ofSurvival/Strength of Savior)will be able to offer a highschool equivalency prepara-tion program to the surround-ing Sherman Park communityin Milwaukee. SOS Center’s di-rector, Armita Harmon, plansto launch the program in May.

The program will be of-fered to individuals in the com-munity 16 years and older whoare without a high school di-ploma. Many of these individu-als are unable to make endsmeet financially and lack theeducation necessary to applyfor jobs with better pay andbenefits.

“These individuals are chal-lenged by the effects of low orno income, crime, drug abuseand other socioeconomicstresses,” said Harmon. “Ourgoal is to help them on the roadto financial independence.”

With limited or no income,residents of the Sherman Parkcommunity are unable to af-ford tuition costs associatedwith attending MATC or otherschools of fering GED pro-grams.

The SOS Center has experi-ence running other educationalprograms such as adult basiceducation, ESL and after schooltutoring. “The addition of theGED program will enable us toreach even more members ofthis community,” Harmon said.“We currently have 31 studentson our waiting list.”

Has your congregation ever suffered the effects of a disas-ter? Several South Wisconsin District congregations and mem-bers suffered physical and mental stress last June when heavyflooding hit the state. When a tornado hit and severely dam-aged the town of Stoughton in 2005, our congregation theresuffered the community’s only fatality. Is your congregation pre-pared to minister to your members and community if a disasterstrikes?

Unfortunately, too many people think that disasters happenin California, Florida or Louisiana, but statistics say otherwise.From Dec. 24, 1964, to March 3, 2007, there were 195 presiden-tial disaster declarations in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota. Theywere the results of severe storms, tornados, snow, landslidesand flooding. This does not even count declarations of the pastsummer throughout the Midwest.

When a disas-ter hits, it is too lateto plan what to do.The time for prepa-ration comes be-fore it happens.Over the past twoyears, LCMS WorldRelief and HumanCare has devel-oped a disaster re-sponse plan. Itmeets the require-ment of the Synodi-cal Handbook,section 3.833c, “toassist congrega-tions and throughthem to assist theirm e m b e r s . ”Through LutheranDisaster Response and LCMS World Relief and Human Care, werespond by showing mercy to those faced with disaster.

While the District has a Critical Incident Stress Management(CISM) team, it is important for congregations to assume theresponsibility to help where they are. The CISM team will pro-vide “how to” training in the four regions of the District duringMarch. The one-day workshops include:

• Developing disaster outreach ministries• Developing disaster funding strategies• Developing Lutheran early response teams (LERT)• Developing disaster response capacities

Please be prepared for disaster responsiveness by attendinga regional training. All workshops are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The train-ing is free, with a cost for lunch which varies by location. Ad-vanced registration is necessary for a meal count. Congregationscan be represented by as many members as they desire. Forregistration or additional information, contact Peg Raabe at theDistrict office, (800) 793-3678 or Rev. Bill Wagner, District coordi-nator, at (608) 362-8755.

Who should attend?• Pastors and people interested in disaster response• People with manual skills such as chain saw operators,

carpenters, etc.• Stephen ministers

Disaster training workshopsCentral East RegionMarch 7: Elm Grove, Elm Grove

945 N. Terrace Dr., 53122March 28: Gospel, Milwaukee

1535 W. Capitol Dr., 53206

South RegionMarch 7: Trinity, Beloit

1850 Cranston Rd., 53511March 28: Good Shepherd, Pleasant Prairie

4311 104th St., 53158

North East RegionMarch 28: Hope, Fond du Lac

260 Vincent St., 54935

West Region March 7: St. Luke, Lyndon Station

377 Roger St., 53944

Is your congregationready for disaster?

Prior to the GED program launch in May, the entire lowerlevel of the SOS Center will be remodeled to become betterequipped to facilitate the program.

Lippert Tile Company generously donated new carpetfor the lobby area, reading room, manager office, director’soffice, library and hallway leading to the restroom.

Volunteers are needed as soon aspossible for carpet installation. If work-ers are not found to lay the carpet, fi-nancial donations toward hiring skilledlabor would be welcome.

If you can assist in any way, pleasecall Armita Harmon at (414) 449-9964.

New Spanish Bibles with Luther’s Catechism are presented in Havana,Cuba. Rev. Marcial Hernandez (left) is president of the Council ofChristian Churches in Cuba; Rev. Ismael Laborde, president of theLutheran Church in Cuba. The South Wisconsin District funded shipmentof 3,400 Bibles supplied by the Cuban Lutheran Fellowship.

SWD support helps sendSpanish Bibles to Cuba

Did you know that thereare 19 mosques in Wisconsin?A 2002 Cornell University sur-vey numbered the Muslimpopulation in the United Statesat 8 million, and estimated thatby 2014 the number willdouble to 16 million. The Mus-lim population is also faryounger than the rest of thepopulace and educated on amuch higher level. These arenot just interesting statistics.This information can translateinto concern for the church, aswell as a new mission field forus.

In an urban ministry meet-ing at the District office late lastyear, African immigrant pas-tors and seminary students ex-pressed concern about

Muslims are comingto America, and toyour neighborhood

reaching the Muslim popula-tion in Milwaukee—many ofwhom are African immi-grants—with the Gospel. Theystated the need for our churchto be strategic and intentionalin outreach efforts. For this rea-son, Missions Executive Rev.Dan McMiller moved an exist-ing dialogue with POBLO(People of the Book LutheranOutreach) to a new level.

President John Wille andMcMiller met with the POBLOboard of directors Jan. 11 and12 at their headquarters inDearborn, Mich. Dearborn isthe epicenter of Arabian cul-ture in America and has thehighest Arab and Muslimpopulation in the United States.As a result of this meeting,

POBLO voted unanimously towork in collaboration with theSWD in establishing a ministrysupport team in our District.

A meeting will be arrangedin Milwaukee as soon as pos-sible to invite interested pastorsand laity to learn more aboutsuch a team that will support,resource and serve this en-deavor. POBLO will establishthe team and use its existingoutreach models and account-ability structure to direct theministry plan. POBLO also en-thusiastically accepted Presi-dent Wille’s offer to addressthis summer’s District conven-tion. Please watch for newways to connect your congre-gation to this important mis-sion to our Muslim neighbors.


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S Sorensen receives St. Martinof Tours award

Bob Pieters (left) and President John Wille (right) present the St.Martin of Tours medal to Rev. David Sorensen.

Rev. David Sorensen, direc-tor of pastoral care atLutheranLiving Services inWauwatosa, was awarded thebronze St. Martin of Toursmedal by the Ministry to theArmed Forces on Sunday, Nov.30, 2008. President John Willeand Bob Pieters, chief execu-tive officer of LutheranLivingServices, awarded the medalat the Sunday morning wor-ship service in Lutheran Home’sWerner Chapel. The medal isawarded to LCMS pastors inrecognition of twenty years ofservice in the military, VeteransAffairs, or in the Civil Air Patrol.

Sorensen has served as achaplain in the Wisconsin ArmyNational Guard and the ArmyReserves since 1985. Followinga deployment to Iraq in 2004with the 13th Corps SupportCommand from Ft. Hood,Texas, he returned to his posi-tion with LutheranLiving Ser-vices. He continues to serve inthe Army Reserve, serving aschaplain for the 85th SupportCommand in ArlingtonHeights, Ill. Sorensen hasserved in the South WisconsinDistrict since 1984. He waschaplain at the MilwaukeeCounty House of Correctionfor 18 years, and has served aschaplain for LutheranLivingServices since 2002.

The St. Martin of Toursmedal is named after an officerin the Roman army who, ac-cording to tradition, cut off aportion of his military cape inorder to cover a beggar shiv-ering in the cold. That nightChrist appeared to Martin in adream, wearing the portion ofthe cape that Martin had givento the beggar. The vision ofChrist later led to Martin’s con-version and baptism.

After his death, Martin’scape became an object of ven-eration, and was carried intobattle by French kings in a por-

table shrine called a “capella.”From this term come the En-glish words chapel and chap-lain.

On Nov. 10, 1483, Hans andMargarethe Luther of Eisleben,Germany, welcomed the birthof a baby boy. In keeping withthe custom of the times, theytook their infant son to be bap-tized the following day. SinceNov. 11 was the date the Chris-tian church at that time tradi-tionally remembered andhonored St. Martin of Tours,the baby was named MartinLuther.

Brandt installed at Bethlehem,Sun Prairie

On Dec. 21, 2008, Rev.Charlie Brandt was installedat Bethlehem, Sun Prairie, aslead pastor. He previouslyserved as senior administra-tive pastor at Trinity, Toledo,Ohio. Brandt and his wifeCarol have three children,Chris, Joel and Amy.

Paape installed atSt. Paul, Brown Deer

The mem-bers of St. Paul,Brown Deer,celebrated theinstallation ofRev. David B.Paape as thecongregation’sfourth residentpastor Dec. 7,

2008. Paape most recently served at Immanuel,Sheboygan.

Rev. Charlie Brandt

Zeuschner installed at Chapelof the Cross, Milwaukee

Rev. DavidZeuschner wasinstalled atChapel of theCross, Milwau-kee, at a Nov.30, 2008, ser-vice. A 2001graduate ofC o n c o r d i aSeminary in St. Louis, he served his first congre-gation in Westland, Mich.

Rev. David and Barbara Paape

Rev. David and Ruth Zeuschner


By Nathan SchwanzMost Fridays last fall when

students were planning theirweekends, Concordia UniversityWisconsin senior Trent Duckettcould be found sitting in a hos-pital room for up to sevenhours watching TV, playingvideo games or just sleeping.

In May of 2008, Duckettfound a lump in his armpit. Heimmediately went to the doc-tor and the news was grim.Duckett was diagnosed withstage three non-Hodgkin’slymphoma cancer.

If a normal person would al-low a life-threatening illness toblock ambitions or use it as anexcuse, Duckett is anything butnormal.

“I was shocked,” Duckettsaid. “I never thought, asyoung as I am, it would everhappen to me.”

Fortunately the cancer wasfound early and Duckett imme-diately began undergoingtreatment.

He first needed surgery toremove the cancer from his arm-pit and then eight chemo-therapy treatments. Eachtreatment costs about $10,000,little of which is covered by in-surance.

To help with medical ex-penses, Duckett’s hometown ofShelbyville, Ill., held a benefit inhis honor. More than 600 people

Concordia athlete battles cancerattended and raised over$30,000.

“People who I don’t evenknow were giving what theycan to help,” said Duckett. “Itwas amazing.”

Despite overwhelminggenerosity from strangers,Duckett said that every weekwas a new challenge.

“I would get nervous andworry a little for a week or sobefore each scan,” saidDuckett. “But I tried to stay posi-tive throughout the whole ex-perience.”

Duckett, a starting pitcherfor the Falcon baseball team,also received help from fellowathletes and the university. At thefirst athletic meeting in the fall of2008, donations were given byteammates. That amount wasmatched by the university. Over$3,000 was raised.

Teammate and friend, se-nior Kyle Barth, was caught offguard by the diagnosis. “Per-sonally, Trent’s diagnosis wasshocking,” he said. “The day Ifound out I was in disbelief.”

Duckett, an education ma-jor, planned to student teachin fall 2008 either locally inGrafton or Arizona. Because ofthe cancer treatments, thoseplans had to be postponed.

“He’s very focused,” saidFalcon baseball head coach andrelative of Duckett, Dr. Val

Keiper. “[He’s] got a plan andstrides to it. [He] doesn’t let life’sdistractions get in the way ofgoals.”

During the summer, base-ball provided an escape forDuckett from daily stresses andworries of life with cancer.

The week that Duckett wasdiagnosed, he played baseball.The week he had the biopsy toremove the cancer, he playedbaseball. Two days after ex-hausting chemotherapy treat-ments, he played baseball.

“Baseball has always beenthere for me,” said Duckett. “Ithas been an amazing blessingbecause it is fun and it alsoteaches us a lot about team-work and life in general.”

Duckett’s teammates ralliedaround their pitching ace; see-ing it as an opportunity forgrowth. “I think it brought theguys closer together,” Barth said.“We had to rally around eachother and help Trent and hisfamily.”

Another teammate and fel-low pitcher, junior Alex Tomter,has seen Duckett’s struggles as asource of inspiration. “We alltalked to him and watched himbattle through his cancer, ahard, tough battle,” said Tomter.“He has worked so hard anddone everything he could to beable to play for us this spring. Wewant to work just as hard to make

[this season] worthhis time and to bethe best team thatwe can be so we cansend Trent and therest of the seniors offwith something spe-cial.”

Duckett did ad-mit that he ques-tioned why he endedup with cancer, butquickly responded bysaying, “God has aplan. This definitelystrengthened myfaith. If I had this forone person to learnfrom it, so be it.”

Keiper has seenthe same change inDuckett and said, “He’s got thesame swagger he always hashad, but a different outlook. Hisfocus is on everyone else now.”

Tomter has also seen a posi-tive change in Duckett. “Trenthas definitely changed as a per-son,” said Tomter. “It may besubtle to some people, but Ihave noticed that he has a muchgreater appreciation for every-thing in his life.”

However, fiancee CaylaBiehler has not seen muchchange in Duckett. “I have al-ways known Trent to be a veryoptimistic person,” she said. “Hehas continued to stay that waythroughout the whole process.”

The difficulties of dealingwith cancer may have providedan opportunity for Duckett andBiehler to strengthen their relation-ship. “It has also helped us to ap-preciate each other and the timewe spend together,” said Biehler.

Christmas brought the bestgift for Duckett and his family ashe learned that all of the cancerhas been removed. “I was sothankful,” said Duckett as hethought back on the past year.

Duckett’s plans include get-ting back into shape for thespring baseball season, teachingand marrying his fiancee.

As Keiper said, “He is happyhe made it to 22.”

CUW senior Trent Duckett

ters (such as teachers, directorsof Christian education, etc.)are advisory delegates to theconvention. In accordancewith the Synodical Handbook,all rostered workers are re-quired to attend and have avoice during convention pro-ceedings.

Convention businessCongregations have been

invited to submit nominationsfor president, regional vicepresidents and circuit counse-lors. Recommendations forother positions have also beenrequested for board of direc-tors, secretary, Camp LuWi-SoMo board of directors,Concordia University Wiscon-sin board of regents and theDistrict and Synod committeesfor convention nominations.

Besides officer nomina-tions, congregations may alsosubmit overtures to the Districtoffice by March 15. Overturesare reviewed by floor commit-tees (made up of delegates)prior to the convention, andthen become resolutions pre-sented to the assembled con-vention.

Convention registrationAll attendees must prereg-

ister for the event. Lay and al-ternate lay delegates musthave a completed accredita-tion form signed by two offic-

ers of their congregation.While synodical bylaws only re-quire accreditations be turnedin by the opening of the con-vention, we ask that everyoneregister by March 25, 2009. Lateregistrations and accreditationsmake it difficult to communi-cate important convention in-formation to delegates, andcan even result in delays to thebeginning of the convention.

Registration informationcan be found online atswd.lcms.org/convention. Mealsand housing in campus dormsare available for a reasonablefee. The expense of delegateparticipation, facilities, ballot-ing and so forth is shared by allSouth Wisconsin Districtchurches through an assess-ment based on the number ofcommunicant members in thechurch.

This year to save printingand mailing costs, the conven-tion workbook will be providedon a compact disk (CD). TheCD of the convention work-book, containing the Districtreports, nominees and over-tures will be sent to delegatesapproximately six weeks beforethe convention. Congrega-tions are requested to printcopies of the workbook fortheir delegates. The workbookwill also be available on theDistrict website.

District Convention(continued from front page)


March is time for MLHS guild’s shrimp dinnerBrad Alles will present “The Importance of Chris-

tian Education” to the Milwaukee Lutheran HighSchool ladies guild at their next meeting March 17,2009. Alles, the school’s senior religion teacher, iswell known for his inspiring messages. The groupwill meet at 12:15 p.m. in the library at 9700 W.Grantosa Dr.

Friday, March 27, is the date for the guild’s an-nual shrimp dinner buffet. Tickets cost $15 for adultsand $5 for children (11 and under), including all-you-can-eat shrimp, homemade salads and desserts,bread and beverage. The dinner takes place from 4-6:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Advance tickets arerequired. Call (262) 781-6897 by March 23. TheNortheast Waukesha Chapter of Thrivent Financialwill supplement the proceeds from this event.

On April 21, foreign exchange students will tellguild members about their home countries, customsand culture. It is always interesting to learn howstudents adjust to being at MLHS and in the UnitedStates.

Deaf culture presentation andservices at Divine Savior, Hartford

Joel Mankowski, American Sign Language stud-ies clinical instructor at UW—Milwaukee, will presentan inside look at the deaf community and culture onSunday, March 22, at Divine Savior, Hartford. Thepresentation is designed not only for the deaf andhard-of-hearing, but also for family, friends andthose who would like to learn about this culture.The program begins at 1 p.m. in the church fellow-ship hall (handicap accessible) at 3200 Hwy. K Southat E. Monroe Ave., Hartford.

Earlier that day, Rev. William Palmer, SWD mis-sionary-at-large to the deaf, will preach at the 8 and10:45 a.m. worship services and lead a deaf ministryBible study at 9:30 a.m. A deaf choir will perform atthe 10:45 service. Palmer will also preach at theThursday evening service March 19 at 7 p.m.

All events are free of charge, open to the publicand will be signed by a student interpreter.

For more information, please visit divinesavior.usor call the church at (262) 673-5140.

Lutheran Radio Service annual meetingThe Lutheran Radio Service annual meeting will

be held Monday, May 4, at Wisconsin Lutheran Col-lege. 7 p.m. in Fine Arts building lecture hall, 8800W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee. For questions, pleasecall (262) 251-7159.

Glendalekindergartenbaptism

Recently, JessieLynn Schmidt, akindergartener at St.John, Glendale, wasbaptized in a weeklyschool chapel service.The entire school fam-ily served as witnessesas Jessie became achild of God. Rev. TyZucker performed thebaptism. As part of the

service, the kindergarten students read and sang partsof Psalm 139, where David celebrates how amazing itis that God made us just the way we are.

Sun Prairie LWMLmakes quilts andkits

The LWML ladiesguild at Bethlehem,Sun Prairie, was busyagain during the lastyear making 119quilts. Ginny Preyand Gerry Olsen areprimarily responsiblefor all the quilts beingdone. They are amaz-ing! All the quilts wereplaced in the Sanctu-ary to be blessed andenjoyed by the con-

gregation before being sent off. Guild women also gather and sort supplies for

school kits. Bethlehem’s Sunday school children alsohelp with the project by donating supplies. The guildwas able to assemble 99 kits for Lutheran World Relief.

Jan. 25, 2009, marked aspecial day for Hope, TwinLakes, as Rev. Jack Fish led thecongregation in a service todedicate a stained glass altarwindow. The service was therealization of a long-helddream to have such a window.

The window, created byDecker Studios of Winona,Minn., is designed to reflectthe foundation of faith aswell as the heritage of thecongregation. Framing thecentral image of the resur-rected Christ are symbols ofhope and resurrection, in-cluding an anchor cross, thetraditional symbol for hopeand a butterfly, a resurrectionsymbol and also a remem-brance of the gold butterfly

Zion, Menomonee Falls,celebrated its 125th anniver-sary Dec. 14 with a special ser-vice followed by dinner and aprogram. Over 400 people at-tended including present andformer pastors, teachers, andmembers. Former pastor Will-iam Otto was the guest

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Workers install Hope’s new stained glassaltar window in Twin Lakes.

which originally hung in thewindow opening. Wordsfrom St. Paul’s first letter toTimothy, “Christ Jesus ourHope” appear in the lowerleft corner of the window.The crosses of Calvary andthe open tomb complete thepicture. The window is bothan expression and a confes-sion of the faith in Christ heldby members of Hope.

The project, made pos-sible by a generous gift frommembers Erv and Mary Hintz,in memory of Mary’s par-ents, took about a year and ahalf from creation to instal-lation. The new windowshould enhance the worshipexperience for members andvisitors for years to come.

Zion’s K4 and K5 children sing at a special service celebrating the school’s 125th anniversary.

preacher and current pastorRev. Tim Lamkin was liturgist.

Zion also celebrated itsschool’s 125th anniversaryJan.18, 2009. A service includedguest speaker Mark Bahr, prin-cipal at Lake Country LutheranHigh School and all of Zion'sschool children sharing the gift

of music for the occasion.The members of Zion

church, school, and childcarethank the Lord for 125 years ofministry and blessings. Zion isrooted and growing in Christ.For more information, call(262) 781-8133 or visitzionschool.info.

125th anniversary for Zion, Meno. Falls

Pictured left to right: Amy Schmidt, Jessie Schmidt and Rev. Ty Zucker

Gerry Olsen (left) and Hilde Felsing sortthrough supplies for school kits.

Mother and baby on the streetsin winter find A Place of Refuge

Left to right: Ruth Zeuschner, Refuge Housemanager, her husband Rev. David Zeuschner,holding Maygan after her baptism, and Yasmine.

A Place of Refuge Ministries(APOR) serves women facingcrisis pregnancy and their fami-lies with one-to-one supportfrom caring LCMS volunteers.And since 1997, Refuge House,their shelter for pregnantwomen and their children, hasbeen an important part of thisvital ministry.

“It means so much to ourmoms to have a safe place tostay while they prepare for thewonderful journey of beingmom to a new infant,” saidRuth Zeuschner, house man-ager. “Because of being hereat Refuge House and the en-couragement and supportthey receive, obstacles becomeopportunities.”

Privacy is extremely impor-tant to the women served, butrecently one of the moms atRefuge House gave permissionfor her story to be shared.Yasmine, who was pregnant,and her daughter Mayganwere living on the street dur-ing subzero temperatures inFebruary last year. They soughtshelter in hospital emergencyroom waiting areas at night to

stay warm but had been told ifthey did not leave the staffwould have to call authorities. Agood samaritan, a total stranger,took them in temporarily andsoon after Yasmine found RefugeHouse.

Shortly before enteringRefuge House, Yasmine suf-fered a miscarriage and lost thechild she was carrying. Aftertime grieving and healing fromthis loss, she has successfullymoved forward in many areasof her life.

Yasmine has been studyinghard with the goal of complet-ing her highschool equiva-lency tests. Shepassed the writingexam and awaitsthe results of thefinal test. Shelooks forward tocertified nursingassistant trainingand to establish-ing independentliving in her ownapartment.

The mostprecious part of

Yasmine’s stay at Refuge Househas been that her daughterMaygan was baptized shortlyaf ter they arrived. Yasmineknew she wanted the gift ofeternal life for Maygan andwanted the Holy Spirit to helpher train her child up in theway she should go.

Yasmine wants everyonewho supports APOR to knowhow grateful she is for the op-portunities God has blessed herwith through this ministry andfor the extension of Christ’slove flowing through hispeople.


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TSLutheran Schools Night withthe Milwaukee Bucks March 21

Join in the fun Saturday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m.for the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Portland Trailblazersbasketball game at the Bradley Center in Milwau-kee. Choose your seating – $35 lower level ($51-value seat and a Bucks replica road jersey) or $20upper level ($29-value seat and Bucks replica roadjersey). This includes a VIP early entry pass to enterthe arena at 5:30 p.m. to watch the Bucks warmup and a post game free throw on court. Ticketswill be available at the Lutheran Grade SchoolState Basketball Championship March 6-8, atConcordia University Wisconsin, by contactingthe Lutheran Sports Association [email protected] or call Jeff Mueller, (414)416-2118.

‘Saved by Grace, freed to serve’:

Parish nurse conference May 27-29The 17th annual parish

nurse conference will be heldon May 27-29, 2009 atConcordia University Wiscon-sin in Mequon.

Led by Dr. Wil-liam Dewey, amorning pre-con-ference sessionMay 27 will focus on“Fit-2-Serve” from the Chris-tian perspective. Back by popu-lar demand, Texas Districtmission and ministry facilitator,Dr. Lou Jander will lead an af-ternoon pre-conference look-ing at managing change in the

parish and how congrega-tional health ministries can re-spond.

Thursday and Friday par-ish nurses and

others inter-ested in con-gregationalhealth will

hear Rev. Dr.Dan Paavola speak on theconference's theme, “Savedby Grace, Freed to Serve.”

Following the keynote,there are over 20 breakout ses-sions for participants to at-tend. There also will be posters

illustrating health ministries,resources to review andother exhibits. If you wouldlike to have a poster or otherresources on display, contactDr. Carol A. Lueders Bolwerk,director of parish nurse min-istries at CUW.

On behalf of Concordia,you are invited to this annualconference to gain informa-tion, network with others,and obtain resources for con-gregational health ministries.For more information, [email protected] call (262) 243-4233.

Cedar Valley gathering May 19-20

‘Positively aging’

Dr. Richard Bimler

The 12th annual Cedar Valley gathering will be held May 19-20, 2009, at the Cedar Valley Retreat and Conference Center, justnorth of West Bend. The retreat is for active adults, pastors, layministers and anyone interested in ministry to seniors. It is pre-sented by the South Wisconsin District older adult ministry com-mittee.

The featured speaker is Dr. Rich-ard Bimler, past president and seniorstaff associate for Wheat Ridge Minis-tries. He also serves as the “Ah-Ha!”

person for Lutheran Life Communities in Arlington Heights, Ill. Inother words, he is the ambassador of health, hope and aging!

Among Bimler’s many publications are “Let There Be Laugh-ter,” “Angels Can Fly Because They Take Themselves Lightly” and“Miracles in the Middle.”

Plan now to enjoy his “Positively Aging!” presentation onWednesday, May 20. Come on Tuesday, May 19 if you’d like tobe part of his fireside chat.

Registration materials are online at swd.lcms.org/registrationor available by calling (800) 793-3678.

“Holy Spirit, fuel the flame”Singles AAAAAblaze! blaze! blaze! blaze! blaze! retreat April 25

Come to Shepherd of the Hills in Pewaukee April 25, 2009, andenjoy the fellowship of your fellow Christians from around the state.Sponsored by the South Wisconsin District, the event runs from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. and features Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Meyer as speaker.

Registration cost is a free will offering. Please RSVP by April so theplanning committee knows how many sandwiches to make. For moreinformation, contact Robin Mueller at (414) 464-8100 [email protected]. For a flyer, schedule and registration forms, youcan also visit swd.lcms.org/registration.

Things to bring:• Potluck item for lunch: last name beginning A-M, salads; N-Z, dessert• Bible; “Jesus’ People Sing Songbook”—if you have one• Quilting project items (optional): 11x11" cut squares of material, batting for

filler, material for backing of quilts.

DirectoryWJYI 1340AM radio live broadcasts areonline at joy1340.com; WTMJ 620AM atwtmj620am.com.

Lutheran Radio Church Service, Sundaysat 6 a.m. on WTMJ 620AM. The pro-gram alternates weekly between WELS andLCMS services.

Pella, Waupun, services on WFDL 1170 AM Sundays at 8 a.m.with a taped replay at 11 a.m.

St. Paul, West Allis, broadcasts its taped Saturday service Sun-days on WJYI 1340 AM at 8 a.m. Worship services are acces-sible live at splcwa.org. Audiotape or CD copies are available bycalling (414) 541-6250.

Messiah, Ripon, airs its services on WRPN 1600AM Sundaysat 9 a.m.

Mt. Olive, Milwaukee, Sunday services on WJYI 1340 AM at9 a.m., archived services at mtolivemke.org. Worship folders willbe sent on request.

A German radio program airs Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. on WJYI1340 AM. Visit evangelischeandacht.org for details and archivedsermons.

Send listings for LCMS worship services and programs to [email protected] or mail to Communications, South Wisconsin District,8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53222.

Anniversary CornerAnniversary CornerAnniversary CornerAnniversary CornerAnniversary CornerBirthdays (90, 95, 100 & above)

MARCH1 Elizabeth Recknagel, Our Redeemer, Delavan5 Gladys Olson, 90, St Peter, Arlington6 Ernest Laykovich, 90, Trinity, West Allis13 Dorothy Leberak, 95, Pella, Waupun

Robert Schoessow, 90, Elm Grove, Elm Grove14 Roy Warner, 90, St. John, West Bend27 Harvey Spiering, 90, St. Peter-Immanuel, Milwaukee29 Marcile Dix, 90, Pilgrim, West Bend

Paul Kruel, 95, St. Stephen, HoriconAPRIL

1 Evelyn Kempf, 90, Grace, Omro5 Aline Brey, 90, Immanuel, Auroraville17 Ruth Meiser, 100100100100100, Holy Ghost, Milwaukee24 Charlotte Radloff, 95, Good Shepherd, Sheboygan25 Eunice Bradell, 90, St. Stephen, Horicon

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

5 James and Lois Flynn, 60, St. Paul, Brown Deer6 Merlin and Arlene Zimmel, 55, St. John, Mayville12 George and Ruth Gorichanaz, 60, Trinity, West Allis

APRIL1 Art and Hannelore Jarvenpaa, 50, Grace, Omro9 Harvey and Elizabeth Techtman, 65, St. John, West Bend11 Don and Marlene Smith, 50, Grace, Menomonee Falls

Gerald and Aimee Streblow, 50, St. John, Mayville14 Andrew and Louise Stenson, 66, Good Shepherd, Watertown18 Gene and Irene Brunner, 50, Elm Grove, Elm Grove

Donald and Beverly Schultz, 50, Pella, WaupunJack and Janet Williams, 50, St. Stephen, Horicon

23 Donald and Audrey Zarder, 60, Elm Grove, Elm Grove24 Guy and Betty Kelly, 55, Our Redeemer, Delavan25 Marvin and Darlene Franke 50, St. John, Mayville

Send us the names of people who will observe a May or June 2009 birthdaybirthdaybirthdaybirthdaybirthday(90, 95, 100, or above) or anniversaryanniversaryanniversaryanniversaryanniversary (50, 55, 60, 65, or above).Deadline is April 1, 2008. Mail to: South Wisconsin News, 8100 W. CapitolDr., Milwaukee, WI 53222. E-mail: [email protected].

SUBSCRIBE TODSUBSCRIBE TODSUBSCRIBE TODSUBSCRIBE TODSUBSCRIBE TODAAAAAYYYYY

Are you getting your copy of the South Wisconsin News? For$5 per year you can have it delivered to your door, sent tostudents away at school, shut-ins, or former members of theDistrict—anyone who wants to keep in touch with LCMShappenings in southern Wisconsin. Make your $5 checkpayable to South Wisconsin District and mail to SouthWisconsin News, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53222.

Name ________________________________________

Address _______________________________________

City, State, Zip _________________________________


Mission LampLutheran Women’s Missionary League News

Here is what Lutheran Women in Mission are doing!

Mission granteducationfor 2008-10:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

President Jan Dankwardt 920-783-0776 [email protected], Servant Resources Judy Paulson 920-989-1777 [email protected], Gospel Outreach/Christian Life Florence Harms 608-323-3420 [email protected], Human Care, Grants Linda Christensen 608-762-5264 [email protected], Communications Barbara Kurth 262-252-4573 [email protected] Secretary Linda Ault 608-676-4994 [email protected]. Secretary Barbara Strenger 920-467-3644 [email protected] Secretary(Receives all funds) Janis Mattson 3557 S. 43rd St. Greenfield, WI 53220 414-546-1998 [email protected] CommitteChairman Jean Kruse 262-786-4520 [email protected](Paysall bills) Debbie Netz [email protected] Counselor Rev. David Totsky 414-444-4133 [email protected] Counselor Rev. Brian Beardsley 920-361-1812 [email protected]

4. Food &4. Food &4. Food &4. Food &4. Food &Clothing Co-opClothing Co-opClothing Co-opClothing Co-opClothing Co-opAssistance - FortAssistance - FortAssistance - FortAssistance - FortAssistance - FortWWWWWaaaaayne Seminaryne Seminaryne Seminaryne Seminaryne Seminaryyyyy($1($1($1($1($15,05,05,05,05,0000000)0)0)0)0)

This grant is used to pur-chase perishable food itemsto keep up the stock in theFood Co-op relieving someof the financial burden forthose preparing to serve aspastors or deaconesses.

The Lenten season is once again upon us. Is there a specialway that you prepare your heart for the great gift that you re-ceive, the gift of salvation? Share your ideas with your LWMLsisters at your next meeting. It is good to spend some time inGod’s word as we remember his awesome love for us. Thestory of the passion of Christ is told in all four gospels. Matthew26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, and John 18-21. Consider doing aside-by-side comparison of the gospels. What parts of the pas-sion does each one present? How are they different? Alterna-tively, perhaps you would enjoy choosing one of the maincharacters, maybe Christ himself, and write about that person’s

thoughts and feelings as the details beginto unfold. Consider the passion from thestandpoint of a newscaster of that time –or now. Enjoy some of the beautiful songsthat really speak to your heart as you arethinking of the last days of our Lord Jesus.Watch a DVD or video on the Passion ofChrist. There are several good ones avail-able. Listen to the “Messiah” and enjoyChrist’s triumph as “King of Kings” and“Lord of Lords.” Do not let this season goby without understanding the deep sor-

row and pain that Jesus suffered for you. Is there still a tear ofsadness falling down your cheek as you remember?

We have two important events that are coming up very soon.First are the Spring Workshops. They occur on March 21 at St.Paul in Sheboygan Falls and March 28th at St. Paul in Janesville.Come and find out more about our campus ministries and meetthe pastors who are currently working with the students.

We will also be sharing information with you that wasbrought back from the Assembly of Leaders including the fol-lowing: Information about Christ-Centered Living, Building upour Sisters in Christ, Telling the Good News and Partnering forDiversity. Some women from other ethnic groups will comeand share with us about their culture. There will be a chance toask questions. Did you know that you are in a culture all yourown? Find out more. The registration is on the website andright here in this Mission Lamp. The other event that is comingup soon is the Convention in Portland. “Look to the Hills – GodReigns” is the theme for this gathering. Our delegates will berepresenting us as they vote for the projects and officers for thenext biennium. What an exciting time for the LWML as we choosewhich mission projects to support for the coming years.

Come together with us to: Worship the maker of all thingsDeclare God’s peace through acts of mercy and grace Trust inthe Lord who daily meets our needs and Share the Good Newsof Jesus in everyday situations.

This time there will be a “special luncheon” for first timersand a dinner event for teens and their mentors. Families arewelcome. Camp Hood will provide child care and youth activi-ties including chaperoned field trips. Registration begins March2. The registration rate goes up to $215 on May 22 so be sure toregister early. You can find the registration form in your Quar-terly, which should be at your church by now. Please read theaccompanying article for more information on the NationalConvention in Portland, OR. and consider whether you wouldlike to join us in this exciting adventure. As always, we need tokeep the grants and their recipients in our thoughts and prayers.Please keep filling your mite boxes so that we can continue theimportant work of “Bringing the lost and the erring into eternalsalvation with Him.”

Blessings on your reflections of the passion,Jan

Save the date:Oct. 16-17, 2009Fall RetreatWaukeshaMarriot West

From our President

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Jennifer Koch of Slinger, Divine Savior Lutheran,Hartford will be one of the Young Women Repsattending the National LWML Convention this June inPortland.

Vicky Ohde, Brookfield, Elm Grove Lutheran is the otherYW rep. Editor’s note: Computer troubles- will try to havepicture ready for next issue.

Get ready for Portland!Registration opens March 2nd! If postmarked by May 22

reg. fee is $180.00. See the Winter Quarterly for details or thewebsite: www.swd-lwml.org.

Looking ahead to the FallThe 2009 Fall Retreat will be at the Marriott Milwaukee West

Waukesha, WI October 16th & 17th, 2009Theme: Now go! (based on the theme verse: “Now

go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”Exodus 4:12 NIV

God gives us the tools we need to perform the tasks Hewants us to carry out. As God gave Moses the staff with whichhe would perform miraculous signs, He has given each one ofus unique gifts and talents that He wants us to use in service toHim. The Holy Spirit gives us the words to say when witnessingto others.

Come to the Fall Retreat and learn that it’s not about us, it’sall about Him.

God has called some very special people from all over theUnited States, who want to “Raise the Level of Mission Aware-ness” in our LCMS. From Brookfield, WI, the Lord has calledNorman and Betty Rose. They are serving as volunteer MissionPresenters in the state and will tell “the rest of the story” in theMission of our Lord Jesus. Mr. Rose is a graduate of ConcordiaCollege – Milwaukee and Concordia Teachers College – RiverForest. He taught in a Lutheran school in Texas and in the pub-lic schools of Milwaukee. He is also a retired school administra-tor. Last year, Mr. Rose served as a short-term missionary inMacau, China, teaching at the LCMS Concordia English Center.What a blessing that LCMS World Mission and this couple worktogether to provide prayer support and stewardship gifts tosend more and more missionaries to spread the Word of thegospel.

Come and join us for wonderful Christian fellowship as westudy the Bible, sing praises to our Lord, participate in servantevents, and share with our sisters in breakout sessions.


Mission LampVol. 59, No. 2March/April

2009

MITE TOTAL FOR END OF DECEMBER 2008:$45, 053.59

GOAL FOR 2008-2010 BIENNIEUM:$195, 000 (VERY NEAR 1/4 OF OUR GOAL)

Greetings in the Name of ourLord, I am writing in gratitude to thegenerous outpouring of faith fromyou all. You have taken me up as areceiver of aid from the S. Wisconsindistrict of the LWML and for that, I amgrateful. I thank our heavenly Fatherthat your faith is as great as to be con-cerned about the formation of Pas-tors in His Church. Pastors are awonderful gift from the Father to Hischurch. They bring light and life toour lives by speaking and feeding usthe Gospel. We here at the Seminarycontinue to pray that the proclama-tion of the Gospel and the partakingof the Lord’s Supper continue in theSWD. No greater gift can we receive than forgiveness from the God-man, Jesus. I am encour-aged by your offering and will continue to work hard. It is a trying time for us all as theeconomy takes a downward turn. It is even difficult for us at Seminary as costs and tuition riseand aid from outside and inside the synod drop down. However, every little prayer and offer-ing from the Faithful is a pleasant balm to soothe the soul and encourage us.

As for me, this year at Seminary has been quite a ride so far. Too many things to read andtoo little time! However, things have settled down and I am enjoying my classes. This quarterthey are: Pastoral Theology, Catechetics, Confessions (where we study the Book of Concord),and a class on the letters from Paul. I have to say that even though I have many books to gothrough, I enjoy finding Jesus in it all. All we talk about is Christ and His work accomplished forus on the cross, which is what we Lutherans are known for and love to talk about. I look forwardto honing my skill as a teacher to be able to show the people that Jesus came for them and bringsgood things. He knows what he is talking about and challenges me to understand the same.

I would like to greet all of the women there, especially Mrs. Jan Dankwardt for her help. Weall continue to pray for the Faithful in the LWML and ask our heavenly Father that He wouldguard your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus, until His coming. Thank you again and have aBlessed Advent and a Holy Christmas!

Seminarian Benjamin D. Hertel

Thank you so much for your very generous gift! You are a real blessing to those of us whosestudy for the pastoral ministry relies on the contributions of others. May your faith in Jesuscontinue to be expressed through your words and deeds.

In Christ, Mark Pierson

I would like to personally thank you, and the SWD LWML for supporting me in my seminaryeducation. Your gift has helped to make my education possible.

In Christ, Lannon Martin

I wanted to thank you for the generous gift given by the LWML for my seminary educationand pastoral formation. It is a great blessing to be at seminary and your financial grant is greatlyappreciate by myself and my family. I am currently here without my family, so I am payingadditional room and board in addition to the mortgage on the house we are trying to sell - themoney received from you is a blessing. Thank you.

In Christ, Blair Kasfeldt

Dear Jan Dankwardt, I am deeply moved and grateful for the generous gift of four-hun-dred fifty-five dollars received from the South Wisconsin LWML. This gift is needful to cover therising costs associated with seminary education. I am a second-career student. Most of myprevious work experience is with the US Air Force and in 9-1-1 emergency services. I was work-ing as the Communications Supervisor for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department when theevents of September 11, 2001 occurred. I was subsequently activated by the Air Force Reserve. From 2001 to 2005 I served here in the US for homeland defense, and deployed for both theAfghanistan and Iraq campaigns. My last tour was to Germany ended in March, 2005, just priorto entering the seminary. God used the events of 9-11 and the my experiences with the war onterror to redirect my life and turn my attention back to Him. I am forever grateful to our Lord,for His love endures forever! That God would use a man like me to preach His Word andminister to His flock is beyond amazing. I continue to learn to trust God for all my needs of bothbody and soul. Gifts like this ensure me that God is providing for my needs through Hisservants. Words alone seem inadequate to thank the women of the SWD LWML for their faith-fulness. I wish that I could personally thank each woman who worked so hard to provide thisgift of money. Perhaps I will have the opportunity in the future to thank at least some in person. This is my last year in the seminary and by God’s grace and favor I will receive a call into theoffice of holy ministry on April 21. May God bless you all for taking care of the least of Hisservants, even me.

In Christ, Seminarian David Abuya Concordia Theological Seminary

SeminarSeminarSeminarSeminarSeminariiiiiansansansansanseeeeexxxxxprprprprpressessessessessthanksthanksthanksthanksthanks

Barbara Kurth, current VPof Communications, served asChristian Life Newsletter editorfor 4 years. Her first experi-ences with LWML were in the1960s in Edgerton, WI. Shetaught at St. John’s LutheranSchool and remembers fondlyLWML meetings that startedwith a potluck supper. It was avery “homey” feeling with thepastor’s wife and childrenalong with her husband andchildren all attending. Herthree children thought of theLWML ladies as “grandmas”.The pastor led the Bible study.

Barbara then spent sometime in Memphis, TN, but theLWML was not very active. Sheeventually moved back to Mil-waukee and taught at St. Pe-ter-Immanuel and did notbelong to LWML. Then, retire-ment meant time for LWMLonce again.

She served as secretary ofZone 3 as part of her LWML ser-vice. Two positive influencesin her life were Pastor ElmerScheck, pastor of St. Peter-Immanuel during most of theyears she taught there andCarolyn Blum, past president ofSWD-LWML.

Marlys Toege Moberg be-gan as the Mission Lamp editorwith the September 2001 issue.She has been involved in LWMLsince the mid-1950s. She waseditor of the Badger LutheranNewspaper at that time, withoffices in the old Lutheran Cen-ter on 11th and State. She be-gan hearing about the LWMLfrom some of the officers whobrought in stories. She and hernew husband at the timejoined the new mission inWaukesha, Beautiful Savior.

When the women begana ladies’ society, it became af-filiated with the LWML. Therewere only seven zones thenand zone rallies were held atthe Lutheran Center. At a zonerally, there was planning forthe first District LWML ChristianGrowth Workshop. Volunteerswere needed, and Marlys ap-proached a chairperson andexpressed interest. She thenbecame Zone 3 President afterrezoning occurred.

Marlys was then nomi-nated for a position on theQuarterly staff by the districtpresident. She served as a“Missions Features” editor andwas also appointed as the firstLWML public relations director.Following this, she was editorof the Woman’s Quarterly for 11years. Then she went to workat Bethesda after the unex-pected death of her husbandat age 46.

Marlys values the blessingsof LWML friendships. Watch forher new book, “The Heart ofJesus - Women in the Gospel ofLuke” to be out in summer.

Former editors sharebeginnings in LWMLBarbara Kurth Marlys Taege

Moberg

Pictured below from L to R are Rev. Glen Thomas,Director of the Board for Pastoral Education, JoyceBuehrens, Chairman, LWML Mission Grants Committee,and Rev. Paul Keinker, VP for the Joint Seminary Fundwith Joyce presenting the $10, 000 check as Grant #1is half-paid.

Submit May/June

Mission Lamp

news by 4/15 to:

Lori Kleinschmidt

[email protected]

From the mountainscome sounds of joy

Set aside time in your busy schedule to attend the 2010SWD LWML CONVENTION.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the moun-tains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees ofthe field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12 NIV

Mark your calendar now-Friday June 18th & SaturdayJune 19th at the Wyndham Milwaukee Airport & Con-vention Center.


Greetings to Allfrom President

David MartinAt our last District LHM

Board Meeting held on Janu-ary 24,2009 at Waupun, thesuggestion was put forth to in-vite and pay for a young fam-ily from one of ourcongregations of the SouthWisconsin District to attend theAugust 21-22, 2009 conventionat Cedar Valley Retreat Center.The center is located near WestBend WI. The convention willbegin with a fish fry on Fridayevening and convention onSaturday.

The purpose of having a“Young Family Rep” is to famil-iarize younger families in themission and work of the LHMand the LLL. To introduce themto the wonderful membersand leaders of our SWDLutheran Hour Ministry family,as well as to encourage themin becoming LHM (LLL) mem-bers (and we pray – future lead-ers and reps).

Many families are torn

www.lll-swd.org

Dean Oetzman ofLaValle passed away January9,2009. Dean was the SouthWisconsin Layman of the Yearin 2001.

He was asked by his pas-tor to attend an organiza-tional meeting for the SouthWisconsin District and was in-volved ever since that meet-ing. Dean served in manyleadership roles at the zonelevel and as district boardmember at large.

Dean used his skills as aforeman for a local construc-tion company to build projectsfor the Vacationland Zone. In1984 a boat trailer was pur-chased and made into a floatfor the 1985 season. It was re-vised with tilting back for usein 1986 and remains in use to-day. The float theme changedfrom year to year and at itspeak was in 22 parades in oneyear traveling up to 4000miles.

Dean traded license platesand his favorites were theones with a Christian theme.Pastor Butler used one favor-

ite “UR4 GVN” as part of thefuneral message. Dean con-verted his license plate con-vention booth into a LLL fairbooth. The booth was usedin several county fairs in theVactionland Zone.

He was also very involvedin the packing of clothes forthe Orphan Grain Train.Clothes, soap, hospital bedsand other items were deliv-ered to his barn on the farmand then transported to ZionLutheran church in LaValle.His wife Juanita, three sonsand one daughter surviveDean.

Is your men’s ministrygroup getting a little stale?Though pleased with the con-sistent attendance of the faith-ful in your ranks, are youfinding it tough bringing innew individuals to yourgroup? Don’t feel bad; it’s dif-ficult for many men’s ministrygroups to get new guys onboard—especially youngermen who are saddled withwork, family, and other press-ing responsibilities.

That being said, the realityis those guys are some of thevery people that most needyour support, word of wisdom,and Christian direction. Thisresource guide will help youintegrate these guys into yourmen’s ministry, while energiz-ing your group in the process,making it something you canall be proud of.

Now let’s take a look atsome of the things the Men’sNetWork has to offer you.

How-To InstructionGuides: These helpful guidesprovide important info to helpleaders and their groups do anynumber of things from orga-

nizing a golf or fishing tourna-ment to leading a Bible study.With step-by-step instructions,you’ll get details on how topre-plan an activity and howto evaluate what you’ve donewhen it’s finished. And sincewe don’t have a “corner onthe market,” we welcome alltopic suggestions or stabs atwriting one for us.

Impact Events:Few things energize guys

like stepping up and puttingsome muscle into doing some-thing positive in the lives of oth-ers. A quick look outside ourcomfort zone quickly tells usthere’s more than enoughneed to go around. Yourgroup can help a youthgroup, folks in a retirementcommunity or nursing home,struggling families just gettingby, or single mothers grap-pling with the urge to throwin the towel. If it’s work in an-other community, anotherstate, or another country youwant, we have opportunitiesthere, too. Our Impact Eventssection provides a wide vari-ety of life-changing activitiesyour men can sink their teethinto.

APROJECTCONNECTdisplay rack has beenplaced at ConcordiaUniversity, Mequon byLLL-SWD. An indispens-able on-site outreachbooklet display minis-try resource that usesdisplays of topical LHMbooklets, written froma Christian perspective,to help share Christwith the lost. ProjectConnect is a bookletministry program ofLutheran Hour Minis-tries that provides anadditional means ofguidance and support.Project Connectaddresses a widevariety of topics,offering booklets thatconnect God’s Word toreal-life issues.

Challenge Results

The results are in for thechallenge I threw out toyou.

The challenge was tohave 250 churches and1,750 individualsregistered as members ofthe Men’s NetWork byJanuary 15.

How did you do?We have 513 churchesand 944 individuals!

We “pushed.”Congratulations!

apart in our present age be-cause of demands of work,play, and other obligations.How beautiful it would be if wecould let young families (aswell as families of all ages)know that this is a ministry op-portunity the entire family canparticipate in together, as wellas understand how importanttheir involvement is for the fu-ture success of this ministry ingenerations to come. There isa world starving for the Gos-pel, and our LHM is a wonder-ful instrument God has usedfor many years to touch thelives of millions around theworld.

By sponsoring a youngfamily we enable a young fam-ily to attend (without financialburden to themselves). Theirhotel, convention expensesand meals will be paid for sothey can see how they can be-come a part of LHM.

We are looking for onefamily to sponsor this year.Please consider nominatingsomeone you know from yourcongregation or of a congre-

gation close to you. Please sub-mit their name to our LHM Dis-trict president David Martin nolater than July 31,2009. An ap-plication form can be found onour website, (www.lll-swd.org).

May God bless you as to-gether we reach out to enlistnew younger families into theministry of LHM and the LLL.

Guidelinesfor Selectinga LHM YoungFamily Rep 2009

The YFR should:• Have a loving relation-

ship with the Lord. The minis-try of Christ to the nations, andpeople to Christ, will meanmore to someone who has alove for the Lord, as well as alove for souls.

• Be a member of, and ac-tively participates in a LCMScongregation in the South Wis-consin District.

• Have a knowledge ofLutheran Hour ministries andthe LLL (or be willing to learn),so they may share their experi-ence from the convention withtheir home congregation (andothers who may request them)to encourage them to becomemore involved in LLL/LHM.

• Have a desire to make adifference. Be enthusiasticabout missions. Be willing toshare their experience withothers their own age.

• Between the ages of 21-45.

• Be willing to attend theConvention August 21-22,2009, and willing to partici-pate in any activities offered atthe convention.

Log onto website(www.lll-swd.org), printapplication, send it toDavid Martin, 516 S. 3rd AveWest Bend, WI 53095.

Blessings always,In HIS Service,David Martin, [email protected]

LALALALALAYMAN OF THE YEAR DIEYMAN OF THE YEAR DIEYMAN OF THE YEAR DIEYMAN OF THE YEAR DIEYMAN OF THE YEAR DIESSSSSThe Baloney Shop:

This little out-of-the-waynook is where Rev. Ken

Klaus applieshis theological training

and deft sense of humorto discuss some

of the more oddball andout-there items that put

the burr underhis saddle when it comes

to Christianity and theworld at large.

Show this short clip toyour men, and see if

they’ve seenWe also encourage you to

submit your ownquestions or the baloney

you see and hear.

Man Stuff:This is the MNW blog.

Here, you can tell us whatyou think. We regularly

post our own comments;we look forward toreading yours. (As

mentioned above, youcan write us with any

questions, comments, orconcerns you might have

about your men’sministry group start-up.We might even have asuggestion or two thatcould make your effort

easier.)

How to Use the Men’s NetWorkResources to Enrich YourCurrent Men’s Ministry

Purpose: (To help congregations revitalizetheir existing men’s ministry)


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

Work is beginning at the Retreat Center

In anticipation of the new Dining Hall, theHarvey Krueger Retreat Center is getting anupgrade! With the help of several Thrivent Branchesand volunteer help from past high school andcollege age campers, half of the rooms at the retreatcenter will be repaired, painted and recarpeted.The bathrooms will get new fixtures and toilets tomake them better equipped for our Joyful Heartsprogram. Watch for big changes in carpet, paint,and lighting in the hallway too. If you would liketo help us with these projects or the other half ofthe rooms, and updating the meeting room, pleasegive us a call. Ask your men’s group or ThriventBranch if they need a project! For moreinformation, call the office at (920)622-3350.

It is time to sign up!

Almost Time forSummer Camp

Preparation is underway for our summer campseason. Applications are coming in and interviewsare being held to select the high-caliber staff thatwill work with our youth, adults, and families thisyear. LuWiSoMo hires college-age students fromaround the United States through a partnership ofcamps called NLOMA (National Lutheran OutdoorMinistry Association). These camps work togetherto find the best matches for individuals seeking toserve their Lord in a camp setting. In the pastLuWiSoMo has had staff from Wisconsin, Illinois,New York, Texas, Nebraska, Arkansas, and evenFlorida! We anticipate working with another groupof exciting, qualified individuals. As thesepreparations are underway, please pray for the

Terry Schmeckpeper, Executive Director

Camp LuWiSoMo is launching two new retreats thisspring –a Couples Camping Retreat (May 1-3) and aGod in Nature Retreat (May 8-10).

The Couples Camping Retreat will provide anopportunity for married couples to retreat from thestresses of work and the daily grind and be refreshedby God’s Word and Grace. Couples will camp in thecampground (other accommodations are available forthose who don’t like to rough it) and join together withother couples to examine the traits of a strong Christianmarriage. Couples of all ages are encouraged to attend;younger couples love to have mentors in the faith! Theweekend will be led by Pastor Timothy Sims and hiswife Keri. Pastor Sims is currently serving as the pastorat Oklahoma Avenue Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.Keri is a stay-at-home mom who volunteers at churchand with MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers). The couplehas two children, Joshua (3) and Isaac (1).

The God in Nature Retreat provides anopportunity to explore the wonders of God’s creationby experiencing the outdoors. Activities includestargazing, a trip to Hartman Creek State Park for hikingand canoeing, and a study of God’s Word based onthe observations and experiences of the outing.

For more information or to print a registration formfor these camps, please visit the LuWiSoMo website atwww.luwisomo.org, e-mail [email protected], orcall the office at (920)622-3350.

Spring WorkWeekend

April 17-19, 2009

Luwisomo ThankYou Dinner

April 25 2009for

Society , FeedingHis Flock, Gifts in

Kind

Spring

Confirmation

Weekends

March 6-8 & 13-15,2009

Scrap & Stamp

March 20-22, 2009

New Retreats in 2009By Hannah Froehlich, Program Director

Pancake Brunch

April 19, 2009

Women’s Spring

Couples CampingRetreat

May 1-3, 2009

God in Nature RetreatMay 8 - 10 2009

All Staff Reunion

May 29 - 31, 2009

By Hannah Froehlich, Program Director

This Place is the Greatest!

I was standing at the top of our sledding hill thatwas covered with college age people on retreat withour District Campus Ministries weekend. I observedsome of the people were in tubes waiting to go down,some in mid air wishing they still had a tube, and a trailof people scampering back up to start all over again.But not everyone was grabbing for tubes. There were afew who stood with me enjoying the mayhem withoutthe bruising. “This place is the greatest,” one ofthem said. I thought he meant the tubing. “Not justthat, this whole retreat thing! I am so glad I came. Thismakes such a difference in my life to be encouraged,built up, with other Christians, in a setting like this.Thanks for that opportunity. I can go back and faceschool and my job again. I have hope.”

I said I would pass the message on to those whomade it possible. That’s you. Thanks for your supportof camp. Come be refreshed and built up in Christ whostrengthens us. I’ll save a tube for you, or just a place towatch the fun from, if you like.

Terry Schmeckpeper, Executive Director


Women’sLeadership

Institute2010 NATIONAL

CONFERENCE

SAVE THE DATEAPRIL 16-18, 2010

Clarion Hotel and ConferenceCenter, Milwaukee

Themes: Communication, LeadingWith and Among Men in the Church,

Marriage Partnerships, TechnologyMinistries in the Digital Age, YoungWomen’s Network, Stimulating and

Surviving Change, Bible Studies

www.wlicuw.edu262-243-4265

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

Stay with us April 24th & 25th 2009

Alumni! Bring your family for some great times andcatch up with old friends at the Wilderness Hoteland Golf Resort located in the Wisconsin Dells!

Alumni Grand Reunion 2009festivities scheduled for June 26-28

The Grand Reunion 2009committee is made up ofmembers from the 50th Anni-versary class of 1959. TheGrand Reunion 2009 commit-tee includes Milton Berner,Fred Gehrs, John Gienapp,Bruce Malchow, Gilber tPingel, and Carl Toelke. Thecommittee and alumni officehave already had a numberof conference calls planning

the details of this year’s re-union.

As in the past, otherclasses will have an opportu-nity to join the Class of 1959.These classes are men thatwere on campus before andafter the Class of 1959. Otheranniversaries that will be cel-ebrated at the Grand Reunioninclude the Class of 1943 (65thanniversary), Class of 1949

(60th anniversary), Class of1953 (55th anniversary), Classof 1963 (45th anniversary),Class of 1969 (40th anniver-sary), Class of 1973 (35th an-niversary), and the Class of1979 (30th anniversary).

Alum from all classes arewelcome. Join in on the eventswith the anniversary classes orsupplemental events can bescheduled. Call Diana Raasch

(262-243-4540 or 888-700-8336), Director of Alumni &Parent Relations, if you wouldlike to be a part of the GrandReunion 2009 or any future re-union.

Watch the Concordiaa lumni events pagewww.cuw.edu/alumni formore details on the GrandReunion 2009 and otheralumni activities.

WisconsinLakeshoreLutherhostel

The Concordia Bible Insti-tute of Concordia UniversityWisconsin and the Associationof Lutheran Older Adults inviteyou to the third WisconsinLakeshore Lutherhostel to beheld on the Concordia Univer-sity Wisconsin campus from Sun-day, June 14-Thursday, June 18,2009. The theme is “The Mes-sage, Mystery, and Music of theMaster” and will feature Dr. RichBimler as the keynote speaker onthe topics, “The AH-HA’s of Mes-saging!” and “The Message forthe Mass Ages!”

Located just 15 miles northof downtown Milwaukee, thisincredible Luther Hostel willcost $465 per person and willinclude all expenses (speakers,transportation, food, accom-modations, class materials, alltour, event, and entrancefees). For commuters, the costwill be $325 (speakers, trans-portation, lunches and snacks,class materials, tour, event,and entrance fees). Registra-tions received after April 30will be $495/$345. ($50 will bewithheld for withdrawingregistration.) More informa-tion on speakers, schedulesand events is available atwww.concordiabible.org. Oryou can contact BonnieTreloar, Operations Coordina-tor, at [email protected],262-243-4422 or 866-559-0002(toll free number).


Meet your fellow servantsat the District office

After majoring in art and minoring in En-glish at Mt. Mary College in Milwaukee, PegRaabe put these skills to use in various waysover the years as a pastor’s wife and in theworkplace for Wisconsin Lutheran HighSchool, WELS international offices, and nowat the District office. About ten years ago sheran a graphic arts business out of her home.This background serves her well in her presentrole as administrative assistant to missions,evangelism, human care and older adult ministry.

Peg and her husband, Rev. Richard Raabe who serves at Beau-tiful Savior in Milwaukee, have four married children and 10 grand-children. Her hobbies include gardening, singing, home decoratingand sewing. Having relocated several times, Peg has been back“home” for almost 20 years, living just blocks from her childhoodhome in Wauwatosa.

Jeremiah 29:11 is one of her favorite Bible passages: “I knowthe plans I have for you … plans to give you hope and a future.”She applies the passage to her work at the District office—she cansee a higher purpose for her service, not just a paycheck.

Peg Raabe

Experience the joyof volunteeringwith VIPs

“I gain so much more than I give” is a common reaction ofpeople who do volunteer work. You, too, may find this to betrue when you participate with other VIPs (“volunteer in per-sonal service”) in the South Wisconsin District.

In addition to regularly scheduled volunteer jobs, a specialopportunity will be yours in early June at Concordia UniversityWisconsin in Mequon, with specific tasks at the upcoming SouthWisconsin District convention.

Be sure to give us your contact information now, by visiting the“Get Involved” page at swd.lcms.org for detailed information onbecoming a member of the volunteer group. Download, fill outand submit a form, including times you are available and the typesof tasks you enjoy doing. You will then be contacted for an assign-ment. You can also e-mail Carolyn Blum, volunteer coordinator, [email protected]; or call (262) 966-7418.

Whether your task is helping at the District office or at the con-vention, you will find that serving the Lord as a volunteer is a joy!

Teachers helping teachers

‘2+2’ mentoring program helps teachers growBy Lorelei Savaryn

Jim Van Dellen, vice princi-pal of Our Redeemer LutheranSchool in Wauwatosa stumbledupon the “2+2” concept duringhis graduate studies. The tech-nique, originally geared towardsbusiness, seemed like it wouldtransfer well to the academic set-ting. The 2+2 program is guidedby the idea that workers can growsignificantly in their field by havingan opportunity to observe—as wellas be observed by—other compe-tent professionals. It may notseem like a novel idea, but OurRedeemer is one of few schoolsto have implemented the 2+2method in an academic setting.

The 2+2 program acts as asupplement to more traditional

classroom observation. “Theseare your colleagues, people whohopefully you get along with andsee on a different level from anadministrator,” said Van Dellen.

During a 2+2 session, theobserving teacher shares twocompliments and two sugges-tions for improvement. The ses-sion is meant to function as a learningexperience for both. “It makes us bet-ter teachers,” Van Dellen said. “Watch-ing another classroom helps us comeaway with new ideas.”

He hopes the program, nowin its second year, will expand toinclude cooperation betweenschools. Just as teachers can learnfrom others within their school,visiting a different school or hav-ing someone else come in with a

fresh set of eyes can be a source oflearning for everyone. “One of OurRedeemer’s teachers had the oppor-tunity to go to another school soshe could pick up some things shecouldn’t pick up elsewhere.” Thatteacher came back to Our Redeemerwith new project ideas and newideas for starting a class.

The school has seen positiveeffects already from the 2+2 pro-gram. Administrators do not seeconference sheets that are sharedbetween participants, whichmakes the process nonthreaten-ing. This allows for a more honestdialogue between teachers. VanDellen also has noticed teacherssharing ideas generated from 2+2sessions with colleagues over lunch.Increased discussion is one of the

primary ways 2+2 positions staffto become better teachers.

Ultimately the 2+2 programis a tangible representation of OurRedeemer’s commitment to grow-ing professionally through col-laboration and open dialogue. Itfosters a sense of community inwhich teaching excellence is seen

not as some-thing reached in-dependently, but as a teamthrough teachers helping teach-ers. Since being “connected inChrist” is one of the school’s goals,a program emphasizing connect-edness is a perfect fit.

Mt. Calvary, Milwaukee,welcomed 180 students from4K through eighth grades intothe newly completed Lannonstone addition to its school Aug.25, 2008. Grades threethrough six entered newbrightly lighted classrooms inthe new addition. For the firsttime ever, grades one througheight were joined togetherunder one roof as first throughfourth grades moved overfrom the old north addition.

Classes for 4K and 5K continueto be conducted in the northside addition. A new office suitefor school principal, secretaryand social worker, along withwork room, has greatly im-proved efficiency and commu-nication.

Other enhancements toMt. Calvary's educational pro-gram include a designatedspace for music instruction, anew computer lab with newDell computers and a spacious

art and science room that isused five days a week.

The cramped quarters ofthe school's old library havechanged dramatically. Theaddition’s new library openedwith volumes of books on newshelves, new study tables andcomputer cataloguing. Bookshave been donated byLutheran churches and schoolsto stock the library with at least3,000 books. A debt of grati-tude is owed to Ellen Sohn forvolunteering many hours toorganize the library. Now

classes are using the library ona weekly basis.

Mt. Calvary also wel-comed a new addition to thestaff in Matt Cantu, director ofChristian outreach and youth.Cantu’s joyous exuberance hasinfiltrated the student body,touching the lives of manytroubled youth. He talks withthe students, showing themhow to live peacefully and joy-fully with their classmates andteachers, and how to take thathome to their families. Cantuleads daily devotions in the

classrooms, addresses the is-sues facing seventh and eighthgraders in “Body Temple”classes and teaches the eighthgrade confirmation class.

The school continues to besupported by the congrega-tion as a mission outreach tothe community. The congre-gation renewed its three-yearpledge to the “Bringing Hopeto the Heart of the City” cam-paign with gifts totaling$421,124.

To see pictures of studentsand activities in the school, visitmtcalvary-mke.org.

Mt. Calvary School, Milwaukee, adds more enhancements after building addition

Racine Lutheran High seniors learn leadership...Director Adam Kirsch led many of the activities....

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