Ambassadors of Goodwill

Recently I had the good fortune to see my first air show in El Centro, California. It was the first show of the season for the Navy’s Blue Angels. It was amazing and it was LOUD! One is able to see these 22-ton jets - F/A-18 Super Hornet - 12 inches apart at 400 miles an hour. They certainly have to trust one another. We were told they trained 165 times before their first show.

They perform this show to showcase the excitement, precision, and power of naval aviation. They perform 65 shows around the United States.

On their website, (www.blueangels.navy.mil/) under the title of AMBASSADORS OF GOODWILL, it states: “One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Blue Angel is the opportunity to spend time visiting hospitals, schools, and community functions in each air show city. At schools across the country, the team takes time to interact with students and discuss the benefits of military service and the excitement of naval aviation across the country, hoping to inspire others to pursue their own dreams.”

That reminded me of the passage: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (1 Corinthians 5:20). Paul wanted the people to know that they were God’s representatives, the face of Christianity. That is who you and I are – whether we are rostered workers of the LCMS or laypeople in the pew. We all leave the comfort of our church to go out into the world….to be His ambassadors.

What we share is good news that “in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself” (1 Cor 5:10). During this season of Lent, we look to the cross, and we look to see what our Savior did to redeem us, to reconcile us with our heavenly Father.

If you noticed above, the members of the Blue Angels go out to talk with students about what it means to be in the Navy and all the excitement it can bring.

In our Lutheran schools, teachers have the opportunity to share what it means to serve Jesus. Pastors can share with catechumens the reasons they want to serve the Lord. Laypeople can share with their children and grandchildren the joy it brings to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

A final thought that was shared by the commander of the Blue Angels – “We showcase the excitement, precision, and power of naval aviation.” You certainly can feel the power when you sit there and watch the show or when they fly over Lambeau Field.

Just think of the power we experience as Christians. Saint Peter wrote: “Baptism now saves you” (1 Peter 3.21). Mere water and the word transforms lives. Death to life! That is power.

Paul wrote to the Romans: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). The gospel was God’s plan of salvation to save all people through the work of Jesus Christ. That saving faith makes us “more than conquerors”, it means eternal life. That is powerful stuff. It changes our lives.

During this season of Lent may we be reminded that we are ambassadors for Christ sharing the power of God’s saving Word and what His Son did for us because of His love for each and every one of us.

Rev. Dr. Dwayne Lueck, District President

The Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools (WCRIS) fights for the private and parochial schools in WI. WCRIS is a non-profit, nonpartisan, government relations association representing 600 religious and independent schools and more than 100,000 students across Wisconsin since 1974. WCRIS supports the unique missions of member schools through advocacy, education and partnerships, to ensure an extraordinary education and equitable opportunity for each child. They support policies that embrace these three core beliefs:

• All children have the right to quality, affordable education.
• Economic status should not determine whether a child receives a quality education.
• Our educational system must be designed to facilitate the growth of quality educational institutions, both public and private.

The organization has a small but mighty staff that is well connected with state government leaders, making sure the concerns of our schools are continually in their ears. Major private school systems, including the NWD LCMS have a representative on the WCRIS Board of Directors, to better understand the needs of our schools. Most of the funding to operate comes from a per pupil fee from each of the represented schools. Learn more at https://www.wcris.org/.

We give thanks for WCRIS and our NWD schools who both support and benefit from the organization.

Jillian Severt, an eighth student at Trinity Lutheran School, Merrill, WI, was named Lutheran Junior Honor Association’s 2025 Student of the Year. Trinity’s LJHA Advisor is Georgia Gustafson, and her application was supported by letters from Rev. Scott Gustafson, her pastor, Kathy Yahr, the former administrator of Trinity, and Britnee Hartwig, Middle School Language Arts teacher at Trinity.

Rev. Gustafson commented, “Years ago she joined our school's praise team. As her voice has matured, she's becoming a regular member of our Sunday morning Contemporary Worship Band. For a fourteen-year-old who is active in dance, sports and committed to academic excellence, weekly practices for Sunday Praise Services may seem to be just another "thing to do" on a busy schedule. But Jillian loves singing. More than that, her attitude is contagious!”

Ms. Yahr stated, “Jillian is always the first to encourage others when they are down and to celebrate their successes. Even as a younger student, she would write encouraging, positive notes to teachers and staff just to brighten their days. She demonstrates kindness and support toward younger students... Now in eighth grade, her leadership qualities are evident in LJHA, organizing and participating in all activities, including assisting at First Grade Grandparent Day, assembling and sent care packages for her school's alumni college freshmen, school-wide collection for Hurricane Relief (which resulted in sending $735 to Orphan Grain Train), Caps for Kids Fundraiser, helping with 4K activities, bell ringing for Salvation Army, and shopping for the annual Rotary Club toy drive. Jillian can be found in many capacities as part of Trinity's Safety Patrol, whether as crossing guard, opening gates, or flag duty. For three years she offered her time as the daily bus list coordinator.

Her journey of faith and discipleship has been equally strong. Jillian has been joyfully singing with the chapel praise team since fifth grade, and sharing her talents as part of the adult praise team at church since sixth grade. She actively serves as a greeter and usher at church, a large group leader and crew assistant each year in VBS. She is active in Youth Group and was recently featured in a promotional video thanking the congregation for their support of the Youth Gathering coming up in July in New Orleans.”

LJHA was designed by Lutheran Educators for Lutheran Schools. It was designed to recognize students who exercise leadership, servanthood, and discipleship, while excelling at academics and to foster these qualities through service projects and other activities. The Student of the Year Award is based on demonstrated community involvement, church involvement, and the LJHA standards of discipleship, service, leadership, and academics.

Lenten greetings to you in Christ!

Whether celebrating a new addition to the family or creating a lasting legacy for your grandchildren, the Y.I. StewardAccount offers a meaningful way to invest in their future. Starting this precious child’s stewardship journey early can make all the difference.

You can start a Y.I. StewardAccount with a minimum investment of $25. It grows at a premium interest rate (currently 3.042% APY) with your young investor, building both their savings and their financial responsibility. Perks come along the way, with opportunities to earn extra dollars for community service and good grades. By age 16, your young investor can explore the freedom of a debit card and online account access (with custodian approval).

Additionally, high school seniors with a Y.I. StewardAccount can apply for the Take Heart Scholarship each February, giving them another step toward a bright future. This scholarship celebrates their next educational chapter by encouraging them to reflect on their faith, share their unique perspective and embrace the journey ahead with confidence. Awardees receive financial support for further education, with awards of $3,000, $1,000 and $500.

More details and an application for the Y.I. StewardAccount can be found here. The peace of the Lord be with you!  

Bill Jordan

District Vice President - LCEF

North Wisconsin District

bill.jordan@lcef.org - 715-845-8241 ext. 102

ALIVE is our convention theme from Hebrews 4:12...

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword...

The convention logo celebrates the life-giving power of salvation through Jesus Christ as proclaimed in God's Holy Word, using vibrant colors, an open Bible, and a cross sharpened as a two-edged sword. Alive.

North WI District Convention in 2025 - FAQ

WHEN WILL THE DISTRICT CONVENTION TAKE PLACE?

June 1 & 2, 2025

WHERE WILL IT TAKE PLACE?

Central Wisconsin Convention + Expo Center

10101 Market Street, Rothschild, WI

HAVE YOU REGISTERED YOUR CONVENTION VOTING DELEGATES?

If you have not registered your voting delegates, please do so. Click HERE for the form.

WHAT ABOUT THE CONVENTION FEE?

Original invoices were sent out in September 2024. For those not paid, invoices were reissued in late March. After April 1st payments are now $360.

WHAT ABOUT REQUIRED ATTENDANCE FOR CALLED WORKERS?

Per Synod bylaws, called workers are required to attend or complete the Excuse Request Form, asking to be excused.

HOW DO I REGISTER TO BE A GUEST OF THE CONVENTION?

Click HERE and complete and return the form.

OUT OF TOWN ATTENDEE—NEED LODGING?

Congregations, your convention fee covered your registration and Sunday evening dinner for your Voting Delegates only. If you and your delegates require lodging – Click HERE and follow the instructions. All emeritus ordained and commissioned church workers can contact Lori at the District Office at 715-845-8241, ext. 103 or email lori@nwdlcms.org to secure your lodging.

CONVENTION WORKBOOK

The Convention Workbook will be available on the website the first week of May.

QUESTIONS? WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL THINGS CONVENTION?

If you have any questions, please call our office at 715-845-8241 or follow these links for more information: 2025 NWD Convention or click the CONVENTION link on the homepage of www.nwdlcms.org.

School Ministry - Curriculum Standards

On April 22, the Lutheran School Curriculum Standards Committee will meet to discuss the preparation and production of biblically faithful Lutheran academic standards across all subject areas and schools. The committee has met twice — in September and January — and will have a draft of the K-12 curriculum standards for math, science, social studies, English and fine arts by July. Religion standards have already been designed and published by Concordia Publishing House. Learn more about School Ministry - HERE.

Set Apart to Serve Curriculum

Five years after the original launch of Set Apart to Serve (SAS), the church work recruitment initiative of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), SAS curriculum is available. The curriculum — a product of the LCMS Office of Pastoral Education — is a collaborative effort of the LCMS and Concordia Publishing House (CPH). It reflects the contributions of a wide range of stakeholders, including the 35 LCMS districts, the two seminaries, the Concordia universities, LCMS School Ministry, LCMS Youth Ministry and more. Thanks to a generous gift from Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) and gifts from the six Concordia universities, the curriculum comes at no cost to all LCMS schools, from early childhood through high school. Click HERE for more info.

God's Mission Here

The congregations and schools of the LCMS are teaching God’s Word and caring for souls every day. National Mission partners with districts to walk alongside, offering support. The monthly newsletter, God's Mission Here, will highlight several items each month. BECAUSE GOD’S MISSION IS RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE.

Congrats to Vince Grachow on his new job with LCEF. We look forward to welcoming Traci Ahlbrand as the North WI District interim account manager. Traci's info is updated on the NWD website under Financial/Concordia Plans.

Check out the Concordia Plans website for a wealth of information or visit the Concordia Plans page of the NWD website listing the main contacts for churches using their services!

Stay informed with Connecting the Dots newsletters - archived HERE.