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Prevail
In her August column in Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton writes: “This is the faith which declares that through pandemics, droughts, floods, famines, deadly bigotry, war, all the death-dealing things in nature and the human heart, life—the abundant life that Jesus promises—will prevail. Plant something in the summer.” Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/3CGLepk and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/3iDH4qd.
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ELCA mourns death of Vice President Bill Horne
CHICAGO (August 17, 2021) – William "Bill" Horne II, vice president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), died August 14 of a suspected heart attack. Horne was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Clearwater, Fla. He served as city manager of Clearwater since 2001.
"Bill was a man of absolute integrity and a deep, living faith in the grace and love of Jesus. Bill embodied the Lutheran understanding of vocation as husband, father and city manager," said ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
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There are things we can do right now to help the people affected by the earthquake in Haiti, the people in Afghanistan and people affected by the wildfires in the United States. Please use the resources below for yourselves and your congregations! |
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South Central WI Synodical Women’s Organization (SWO)
15th BIENNIAL CONVENTION/FALL RETREAT
September 24-25, 2021
At Lutherdale Bible Camp
Elkhorn, WI - Hope Conference Center
Stay OVERNIGHT or come for either day!
SPEAKER: Vicar Lily Zeich Brellenthin
Served in South Africa (2015-2016) with Young Adults in Global Mission
DEADLINES
Due by Wednesday, September 1, 2021
• Registrations with babysitting requests
• Registrations with special dietary requests
Due by midnight, Thursday, September 9, 2021
• All other Biennial Convention/Fall Retreat registrations
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The STAR Youth Ministry Initiative began as a dream of youths attending the 2018 ELCA Gathering in Houston, TX, who wanted more opportunities to gather with other Christian youths in the small town and rural communities. The Initiative is a pilot project funded by the Congregational Vitality team at Churchwide and supported by our Synod. Our goal is to build a networking team to coordinate quarterly youth events where they can build community and grow in faith together.
Rachel Mueller is Youth Coordinator for the Small Town and Rural Youth Initiative. Click below to continue reading the article.
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ELCA Youth Leadership Summit Nominations
The ELCA Youth Leadership Summit is November 4-7, 2021 in Minneapolis, MN. The South-Central Synod of Wisconsin will be sending along two young adults (9-12th grade) who will be challenged to take home what they learn, inspire others to action and teach others what they learned in their own synods and youth groups.
The Youth Leadership Summit is a ministry of the ELCA and partners with the Christian Community and Leadership Home Area, the SYMBOL network, the ELCA Youth Gathering, 65 Synods across the United States, ELCA Disability Ministries and ELCA Ethnic Specific Ministries. All lodging, most meals, and programming are provided by a gracious grant from the ELCA. Your synod’s responsibility is to provide the flights/transportation for the two youth and one adult attending from your synod, one meal while youth and their adults explore the city, and any incidentals they might incur during their travels.
Is there a student in your congregation that comes to mind? Nominate them today with the form below. Submissions are due no later than August 29th, 2021.
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Rostered leaders are invited to join us as we celebrate being together once again!
September 26th & 27th, 2021
White Oak Savanna
4352 State Road 23, Dodgeville, WI 53533
Cost $175 per person.
Register below! Deadline for registration is August 29th.
**Please Note: We are keeping a close eye on Covid-19. We are going forward with the event but might need to make adjustments to protocol as we near the event. We want to keep everyone safe and healthy.
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Join us at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7th for the Equipping the Saints Webinar. We will have a Dwelling in the Word with Bishop Joy.
Rostered Leaders will receive the Zoom link by email on Tuesday morning. Anyone who also wishes to automatically receive the link for the webinars can sign-up online here.
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Join us at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 21st for a very special Equipping the Saints Webinar where we will welcome ELCA Youth Gathering staff who will share insights and details on preparing your congregation for the Gathering. There will also be time to ask questions and learn from others!
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What is diakonia®?
- The diakonia® program consists of 12 different, five week courses. Classes are held via distance learning technology from the convenience of your home with an instructor and other students using your computer and internet connection. Classes meet once a week for three hours.
- Students may participate in 1 to 6 courses a year. Upon successful completion of all 12 courses, students are invited to participate in a graduation ceremony.
- Courses are taught by pastors and/or lay professionals particularly skilled in that area of instruction or ministry.
- Classes combine theological knowledge with practical skills. Assignments and readings aim to be relevant while also developing a solid background on the topic.
Is diakonia® Right for You? Ask yourself:
- Are you looking for a deeper faith life?
- Have you been wondering what God has in mind for you?
- Do you want to be better equipped for Christian service?
If you answered, “Yes” to any of these questions, diakonia® may be just what you’re looking for!
Registration is now open with classes starting in September.
If you are interested in teaching a diakonia course(s) or are a returning instructor please click HERE to indicate your interest and availability for our courses. |
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One Year to Live Retreat for Men
Not Your Typical Men’s Retreat
Sponsored by Lutheran Men in Mission
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE NEXT RETREAT
September 10-12, 2021 at the MacKenzie Center, Poynette, WI
Space is limited, early bird discounts and scholarships are available.
Register by September 1st.
This retreat has been life changing for many attendees! Join with men of all ages seeking to follow the guidance of Proverbs 27:17.
For more information and to view participant testimonial videos click here.
Call or text LMM synod leader, Jim Schieble: (920) 763-3433 with questions.
Listen to Pastor Matt Poock of St. John’s, Evansville, WI on the impact of this retreat for the men of his church - https://youtu.be/xVosynJX2xU
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Bishop Eaton Invites you to “God’s work. Our hands." Sunday |
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On Sunday, September 12, congregations will join together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday.
This annual day of service is an opportunity for us to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbor.
We rejoice that many in-person church activities have resumed, and we encourage you to plan your day of service in compliance with local health guidelines. Consider offering options that are outdoors, drive-through or virtual.
To help you plan for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, we invite you to visit ELCA.org/DayofService for resources.
Old Lutheran has T-shirts and other items available for purchase. The deadline for ordering your congregation’s personalized T-shirts is August 19.
Don’t forget to share your participation with us. Send your stories and photos to LivingLutheran@elca.org so that together we can celebrate what God accomplishes through you. Participate on social media using #GodsWorkOurHands.
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Three Innovators in Mission Topic of 2021 Scherer Lecture
WEBINAR • MISSION • ECUMENICAL
When: Tuesday, September 28 • 4 p.m. (CDT)
Who should attend? This event is open to all
Event cost: Free
Location: Zoom link provided with RSVP
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Virtual or In-Person Conference
To give faith communities tools for responding to the addiction crisis.
When: October 7-9, 2021
Where: Bloomington, Minnesota or Virtually
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Siebert Lutheran Foundation's annual conference is back, with a new name and format!
Join Siebert along with Lutheran pastors and ministry leaders for this complimentary two-day, virtual event! Registration is required.
Wednesday, October 13, 12:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Thursday, October 14, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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You are invited to check our and share our synod specific “Find A Congregation” map tool. The main map and listings can be found at: https://scsw-elca.org/findacongregation/ All of the congregations in our Synod are on this map along with contact and website information!
Thank you Jason for working so hard on this!
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Rostered leaders in your first 3 years of call: MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!
The 2021 First Call Fall Conference will be held November 7-9 beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday and ending at 4 p.m. Tuesday. at St. Anthony Spirituality Center in Marathon Wisconsin. We are hoping that this will be an in-person event. The registration fee will be announced later. For now, please get these dates on your calendars and watch for more detailed information to arrive in September.
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Consultation Committee
- Donna Ulteig, Bethel (Madison)
- Pastor Amy Waelchli and Members of Trinity English (Fort Atkinson)
- Interim Pastor Peter Heide and Members of United in Christ (Morrisonville)
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Bishop Tracie L Bartholomew, the Staff and the congregation of the New Jersey Synod
Members Elected by Churchwide Assembly:
- Kevin Anderson, Region 8G
- Tracey A. Beasley, Region 7F
We give thanks at this time for the ministry of those who celebrate their anniversary of ordination during this coming week:
- Peder Johanson, August 20, 2010, Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran in Brodhead, WI office@bethlehembrodhead.org
- Barry Hoerz, August 20, 1989, Pastor at Vermont Lutheran in Black Earth, WI bhoerz@gmail.com
- Jacqueline Harvestine, August 20, 2011, Retired Pastor living in Spring Green, WI jharvestine001@luthersem.edu
- Richard Johnson, August 22, 1982, Retired Pastor living in Madison, WI r.allenj@juno.com
- Lawrence Henning, August 23, 1987, Retired Pastor living in Middleton, WI thelarryhening@gmail.com
- Williard Lund, August 23, 1948, Retired Pastor living in Stoughton, WI
- Patrick Siegler, August 23, 1998, Pastor at Zion Lutheran in Madison, WI patsiegler@gmail.com
- Daniel Odden, August 24, 1975, Retired Pastor living in Sauk City, Wi danodden@gmail.com
- John Tabaka, August 24, 1991, Pastor at Grace Lutheran in Monroe, WI
- Kristin Woelk, August 25, 2007
May these leaders continue to be blessed for service!
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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 Stephanie Bill, Communications Manager at stephanieb@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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