O Lord, God of life, as you care for all creation, give us your peace. May our security come not from weapons, but from respect. May our strength come not from violence, but from love. May our own wealth come not from money, but from sharing. May our path be not one of ambition, but of justice. May our victory not be one of revenge, but of forgiveness. Unarmed and confident, help us to defend the dignity of all creation. Sharing today and always the bread of solidarity and peace. Amen.
-A Prayer for Ukraine by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Faith Vigil for Peace in Ukraine, ELCA
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On Feb. 24, Russian forces invaded Ukraine, launching land, sea and air attacks. Russia has launched air strikes across the country, including on the capital of Kyiv and other major cities. Airports are now shut, and few railway lines are operational. Millions of civilians fleeing the violence are heading toward Ukraine’s western districts and such neighboring countries as Poland, Moldova, Slovakia, Romania and Hungary. There are many ways you and your congregation can support the refugee efforts through two ELCA and Global Partners.
Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying our companions in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, as well as such ecumenical partners as Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. You can give directly to these efforts through Lutheran Disaster Response below:
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Lutheran World Relief received tremendous news this week: Nelsonville Lutheran Church in Wisconsin will double all gifts from congregations – up to $100,000 – for our neighbors suffering in the Ukraine crisis. Right now, Lutheran World Relief teams are working with partners in and around Ukraine. Your congregation’s gift will deliver urgent support and care, like: food, shelter and other critically needed items; Mission Quilts and Kits for families who fled their homes; and medicine and supplies for clinics. Gifts will be matched through March 15. You can give online by clicking below or by mailing to LWR, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21297-1061. Please write “Ukraine Match” in the memo line.
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2022 Synod Assembly
Friday, May 6 - Saturday, May 7
Kalahari Resort - Wisconsin Dells, WI
**Register Now Through April 1, 2022**
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Your congregation is invited to be a part of the 2022 Synod Assembly! Synod Assembly is a time to celebrate and give thanks for our partnership in Christ’s mission. The assembly will include meaningful worship, fellowship and opportunities for learning and spiritual growth as well as decision-making on how we will use our resources and gifts to be partners in God’s work in the world. Click below for full information and online registration.
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March Retired Rostered Ministers Gathering |
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Thursday, March 17 @ 10 am
Saint John's Lutheran Church
625 East Netherwood Street / Oregon
10:00 - Coffee
10:30 - Celtic Worship
11:00 - Saint Patrick and Celtic Christianity
12:00 - Lunch ($10 donation)
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WELCA Spring Update Meeting/Gathering |
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Tuesday, March 22, 2022
at Grace Lutheran Church - Dodgeville
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
In-Person or Zoom
Join us from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and bring your meal and eat with others in attendance.
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Offering will be split 50/50 between Women of the ELCA South-Central Synod WI and Family Advocates designated for Human Trafficking. Please make payable to SCSW Women of the ELCA. Please bring with you Tuesday or mail to Donna Peterson, 4966 State Road 23, Dodgeville, WI 53533
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In-kind offerings Disposable Baby diapers and Female Hygiene Products - please bring or drop off at Grace Lutheran Church in Dodgeville. They will be distributed to SWCAP Food pantries.
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Door Prizes - eligible individuals are those that are attending in-person
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Living History of Faith-Filled Women Series |
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A Women’s History Month series
March 10, 17 and 24
7:00 p.m. (CT)
We will be joined by Sharon Wyman, great-granddaughter of Emmy Carlsson Evald. Emmy is best known as the founder of the Women’s Missionary Society of the Augustana Synod. Sharon, however, will tell us there’s much more to her great-grandmother’s life of faith. Emmy was one bold woman! Sharon will share stories from her upcoming book Power, Passion, and Faith: Emmy Carlsson Evald Suffragist and Social Activist. Sharon and her publisher have generously provided an excerpt from the book (to be published in May) for Women of the ELCA participants. It can be downloaded here.
Advance registration required by clicking on the image.
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Youth & Advocacy Invitation |
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Lent is one of the busier seasons in the church year. Knowing that many of our rostered and congregational leaders are stretched thin, we have created a simple resource for mid-week Lenten worship services, titled "Holy Lament." Using the book of Lamentations and the psalms, the series explores some of the facets of the spiritual practice of lament.
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Lutheran Men in Mission
- Bill Schleichert, Poynette,Wisconsin
Pastors and Congregations in our Synod
- Interim Pastor Rich Collier and Members of First English, Whitewater
- Pastor Larry Engel and Members of Five Points, Blue River
Neighboring Synod
- Bishop Constanze Hagmaier, South Dakota Synod
All Synod Bishops are they meet for Conference of Bishops in Chicago
We also prayer for Ukraine today.
We give thanks at this time for the ministry of those who celebrate their anniversary of Ordination during this coming week:
- Rev. Tim Hansen, March 8, 1987, Pastor at Our Savior’s in Sun Prairie, WI lisatimhansen@charter.net
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Rev. Paulette Creswell, March 8, 1997, Retired Pastor living in Madison, WI enjoythisday@gmail.com
- Rev. Oradell (Inky) Nordness, March 9, 1958, Retired Pastor living in Madison, WI
- Deacon Judy Bergeson, February 26, 2005, Retired Deacon living in Beaver Dam, WI judybergeson@aol.com CORRECTION
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Congregations In Transition |
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As always we would love for you to continue to share your news. If you have something you would like considered for publication in What Matters, send it to us via email to Rev. Jason Poole-Xiong, Webmaster & Interim Synod Communications at jasonx@scsw-elca.org. The deadline for consideration of inclusion in the current weeks e-newsletter is 12:00 p.m. (CT) on Wednesday.
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