Giving Tuesday is November 30th.
This year we are featuring an organization within the synod.
Diakonia is a two year program for lay members of congregations to get together. The expenses of a course are a $400.00 stipend for the instructor. We are also part of the National Diakonia program where we pay "dues" so the program can run on the national level. It has been suggested that each synod belonging to Diakonia pay $750 per year. We have not been able to do that.
To break even we need to have at least 7 paying students. At the present time, those that have graduated can audit a course. Right now we are unable to provide scholarships for students. Which is something we would really like to do.
With your donation we would be able to pay dues, pay for graduation expenses and other expenses that may occur. Most importantly we would be able to provide scholarships to students.
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Letter to Congregations from Council Vice-President Jane Cahill-Wolfgram about Boys Scouts of America
Boy Scouts of America Bankruptcy
Question & Answer Webinar
When: Dec 2, 2021 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information
about joining the meeting.
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Critical Congregational Help Needed:
Volunteer to be a Council Member or Representative
What does this entail? Being a council member means attending a zoom meeting every other month to help LUAD set policy and vote on expenses. The job description can expand as the member wishes. LUAD became important enough to me that I have gone on to be treasurer and now president as well as being an active volunteer at disaster sites. Other members attend meetings, contribute insights and ideas, but otherwise have limited their involvement to meeting attendance.
What does this entail? Being a congregational representative would mean that you are a person our disaster coordinator could call and you would help find volunteers within your congregation. This duty might mean a couple of years go by before you are asked to find volunteers for disaster work.
For more information or if you would like to volunteer contact LUAD at 888-237-0433
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Follow the Synod Racial Equity Team on Facebook
Stay up-to-date on local and denominational events and resources related to racial equity by following the Racial Equity Team on Facebook. You can find the page at Facebook.com/SCSWRacialEquity. And let us know if there are events or resources you'd like to share. Become part of the network of individuals and congregations in our synod actively working for racial justice!
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Watch Party & Discussion of "Native Nations" Documentary
Discuss on Zoom on Tuesday, November 30th at 7:00pm
The Racial Equity Team of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin ELCA invites you to watch "Native Nations: Standing Together for Civil Rights" during the month of November in honor of Native American Heritage Month. "Native Nations" is a one-hour documentary exploring the role of the Lutheran Church in the American Indian civil rights movement of the 1970s and 1980s. More information here.
The documentary is available on YouTube and can be viewed anytime on or before November 30th. You're invited to watch it on your own or with a small group from your church. At 7:00pm on Tuesday, November 30th, the Synod Racial Equity Team will host a discussion on Zoom.
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Addiction & the Science of Gratitude
Tuesday, November 30, 2021, 11:00AM - 12PM Central Time with follow-up 30 minute Zoom discussion hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith.
Dr. Amy Krentzman will present research on addiction and recovery focusing on the science of gratitude. The roots of gratitude are found in the world’s great religions but in recent decades, psychologists have been studying the emotional benefits of gratitude. In even more recent years, social scientists have been studying the impact of gratitude on addiction recovery. In her talk Dr. Krentzman will discuss six prominent ideas from psychology that explain how gratitude supports addiction recovery. She will also discuss recommendations for a daily gratitude practice that come from her research.
Co-hosting webinar: Tim King and Pastor Ed Treat.
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Applications Are Open for the
2022 Contemplative Renewal Cohort
Increased demands and stress have marked the work of pastors over the last 18 months. Clergy who completed “Contemplative Renewal” had resources and companions that helped them maintain resilience and health.
Are you looking for ways to be renewed in your sense of call and more ready for the next set of challenges that the future holds? Would you benefit from time away to deepen your spirit?
If you are an ordained pastor currently serving half-time or more in a congregational setting, you are invited to apply for the next cohort, to begin in July of 2022. Funded by a Thriving in Ministry Grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., this unique experience is available at no cost. Online applications may be completed at www.holywisdommonastery.org/eccsr
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You are invited to the next webinar in the Hunger at the Crossroads series, “Hunger and Poverty by the Numbers”! Led by Ryan Cumming of ELCA World Hunger on December 9, 2021, at 6:00pm Central time.
The webinars are open to anyone passionate about ending hunger and eager to learn more. In each session, we will dive deeply into the topic, with presentations from ELCA World Hunger staff and partners and time for questions and conversation.
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Annual Report Covers Available
Two versions of the 2021 Annual Report Covers are available for download. They include an opening litany, hymn, and a message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
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Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action Study Guide
A study guide is now available for the ELCA’s newest social statement, Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action. The guide features six flexible sessions that can be customized for in-person gatherings or virtual meetings. Each session incorporates prayers, videos, engaging activities, Scripture study and invitations to live out the call to gender justice in the world.
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Finance Committee
- Jane Cahill Wolfgram Synod VP - Christ, DeForest
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Bruce Hutler, Synod Treasure - Our Savior’s, Sun Prairie
Pastors and Congregations in our Synod
- Pastor Robert Neubert and Members of Burke (Madison, WI)
- Pastor Kristi Ursin and Members of St. Peter (Fennimore, WI)
Neighboring Synod
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Bishop Paul T. Egensteiner - Metropolitan New York Synod
Members Elected to Churchwide Assembly
- Rev. Tara R Lynn, Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod
- Keoni Newman, Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod
We give thanks at this time for the ministry of those who celebrate their anniversary of Ordination during this coming week:
- Anne Andert, November 26, 2000 - Retired Pastor living in Janesville, WI anneandert@gmail.com
- Berkley Guse November 26, 1990 - Deacon serving Grace Episcopal in Madison, WI
- Susan Beadle December 2, 1990 - Pastor at Christ Lutheran, DeForest, WI pastorsuebeadle@gmail.com
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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