"I appeal to you therefore, siblings, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2

This past month I had the opportunity to travel to Mexico on an immersion trip focused on transformation and sustainability. During the week we visited many sites where AMEXTRA is working. Amextra is a non-profit organization that works to promote the integral transformation of marginalized communities in Mexico. Our church, the ELCA, has been a partner with them from the beginning of our time as a church body. Your mission support is at work through this organization.

This ministry believes and lives out a theology of transformation. In other words, AMEXTRA is about empowering people by helping them acquire the means to use the gifts that God has given to them. They go to communities where they are invited to help. I was transformed as I witnessed young children attending school and receiving mental health and dental services in a community that has no running water and has as its primary sources of economic survival recycling garbage that is regularly brought into the community.

I was transformed as I learned of their micro financing project that gives loans for individuals to start businesses. These individuals are mostly female and responsible for the family income. They would not qualify for any traditional loans. We met a woman Alma who, with the help and support of this project has completely transformed her life and now owns a small shop from which she sells home goods and dreams of adding onto her home. Dreams that were impossible a few years ago.

This immersion trip reminded me that people are potential, and we walk the path with people. God gives to each of us gifts and capacity. How is it that we are transformed by God’s grace, love, and mercy to see the potential in our neighbor? How can we partner with our communities after listening to needs, dreams, hopes, gifts, and callings as children of God? How are we being led to transformation?

In Christ,

Bishop Joy Mortensen-Wiebe

The 2023 Synod Assembly is on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Horeb.

Registration for Synod Assembly closes today, May 1, at 11:59pm.

You can find information about registration, child care, the speaker and worship leader for assembly, and much more on the synod assembly page on the synod website.

If you haven't already registered and are planning to attend click the button below before you scroll on!

A Budget Info Session will be held via Zoom on Thursday, May 4 at 7:00pm. The Rev. Naomi Garber, our Synod Treasurer, will provide an update on the 2023-2024 spending plan.

The Treasurer's report can be found on page 49 of the Synod Assembly Book. The spending plan can be found on page 91. You can access the book on the Synod Assembly page of the synod website.

On May 4 you can access the Zoom using the button below. A reminder email will be sent out on Wednesday, May 3 and will also include the link.

The session will be recorded and made available on the Synod Assembly page for those who are not able to attend.

Volunteer as a member of the assembly Credentials Team or be a part of the clean-up crew.

Click here for more information about both volunteer roles.

Interested? Email Johnny Hufford, Director of Administration and Events to sign up!

This fall, the synodical Women of the ELCA and the Racial Equity Team are offering a "train the trainer" series on the "Now is the Time" study on the 2019 ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent.

The series will be offered via Zoom and begins September 7. The Rev. Kathi Matthews-Risley and Donna Peterson will facilitate the course.

Click the button below to view all the dates in the series, and to register. Click here to view more information about the Now Is the Time study on the Racial Equity page of the synod website.

Good news!! The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, "Created to Be" will be held July 16 - 20, 2024 in New Orleans.

An introductory email was sent on April 20 by our SCSW Gathering Champion, Pastor Jason Poole-Xiong. Click here to review that email or click here to visit the Gathering page on the ELCA website.

Adult leaders interested in learning more about the Youth Gathering and how to get involved are invited to attend one of the following informational meetings, held around our synod:

• Wednesday, June 7: Hosted by Barneveld Lutheran (Barneveld) at 6pm
• Saturday, June 17: Hosted by Immanuel Lutheran (Watertown) at 10am
• Wednesday, June 21: Hosted by ELC (Mt. Horeb) at 7pm
• Wednesday, July 19: Hosted by Grace Lutheran (Cambridge) at 7pm
• Saturday, July 15: Hosted by St. John's Lutheran (Prairie du Sac) at 9:30am

In the meantime, if you have any questions about the Youth Gathering, feel free to contact Pastor Jason at jasonx@scsw-elca.org or via phone at 608.387.8560.

Below is a learning opportunity that the Synod Office has been made aware of, which may be of interest to our rostered and lay leaders.

"Deep, Experiential Leadership Development for Ministers"

The Shape of Leadership is designed for clergy who want to renew their leadership so they can make a significant impact on the future of the church.

A year-long process consisting of four retreats and monthly small cohort gatherings, Shape profoundly integrates theological and biblical commitments with innovative practices in leadership from a variety of disciplines, especially the adaptive leadership framework.

The program is highly experiential and collaborative and offers the opportunity to develop long-lasting support systems among high-potential leaders in the church.

Here is what one SCSW rostered leader has to say about his experience:

"The Shape of Leadership was profoundly important for me during a difficult time. I met trusted peers and colleagues, had time away from the busyness of ministry to reflect on myself and my leadership style, and appreciated the compassion, wisdom, and humor shared by the facilitators. This is a must go to for anyone wanting a pause and reset as they reflect on ministry in their next chapter." – Rev. Peter Beeson

The next cohort, gathering at Mt. Morris Camp in Wautoma, will kick off in October. Click the button below for more information and to register.

Sunday, May 21

The Rev. Jacob Greeneway

Christ Lutheran Church in Spring Green