Volume 18, Issue 4
MAY 2006
The South-Central Newsletter
|
Volume 18, Issue 4 |
MAY 2006 |
|
|
The South-Central Newsletter
|
|
NEWS |
|
IN THIS EDITION DON'T FORGET KITS AND BANDAGES YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY MEETING HEARING THE STORIES OF RETURNING VETERANS REFLECTIONS FROM THE PEACE PRIZE FORUM LETTER FROM ELCA BISHOP HANSON Inserts |
From Pastor George Carlson, Bishop
Now Jesus sends us as his body to work as he worked to bring wholeness to all people, to love as he loved to bring reconciliation to a fractured, broken world. We live daily with the reality of brokenness…violence within families, addiction to drugs or materialism, starving and neglected children, exploitation of the poor, malignant greed, oppression of people because of race or gender, suicide bombers, war, depression…you can add to the list. How will we speak and act to mend such brokenness? What does God have in mind for the world? What is God up to in my congregation and community? What role does the synod have? How do I personally speak and act? Kelly Fryer, author of “Reclaiming the ‘L’ Word” and “No Experience Necessary,” and her Renewal Experience team will lead us in considering these and other questions. Our experience at Synod Assembly can renew us as God’s SENT ones. I want all God’s people to live as Christ’s ambassadors of reconciliation and renewal. St. Paul wrote to God’s people in Corinth: “…if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us…” (2 Corinthians 5:17-20a) Ambassadors do not stay in their home country or in safe places or in isolation from their mission post. As followers of Jesus, we are SENT…for the sake of the world, engaging the world with a new reality grounded in other-centeredness, pointing to the cross as testimony to the depth of Jesus’ love for all people—love that would not stop even if it meant his death, re-presenting Christ in our words and actions of reconciling love. I invite your prayers for the Synod Assembly and all our congregations, that God’s Spirit will renew our zeal in faithful, creative, innovative ministry, SENT…for the sake of the world so all become God’s new creation in Christ. |
| PAGE 2 |
MAY 2006 |
|
Congregations are invited to bring photos to the Synod Assembly that show their ministries at work. Brochures about those ministries also will be accepted. These items will be pinned to the walls of the assembly worship and meeting space, so, for photos, the bigger the better. All items need to be “suitable for pinning.” If you’d like your photo(s) returned, please label them properly on the back. Questions? Contact Pastor Jeff Jacobs at (608) 437-3493. |
|
By Pastor Richard Dowling, West Koshkonong Lutheran Church, Stoughton Please remember the ingathering of midwife and hospice kits for Global Health Ministries that will be collected again at our Synod Assembly, May 5 and 6. We also will be collecting knit and crocheted bandages. This is a powerful way to bear witness to the love of God in our world and a way to impact an individual life. If my own personal challenge is a headache caused by too many donations to fit on the truck to the Global Health Ministries warehouse, I will be happy. Bea Haagenson (advocate from Global Health Ministries, retired missionary nurse and the lady who got me crocheting bandages) will be at the Synod Assembly and I suppose we can pack all the extra kits and bandages in the trunk of her car, because they won’t fit into the trunk of my ‘94 Dodge Colt. For more information and directions on assembling kits or making bandages, visit the GHM Web site at www.ghm.org. |
|
The Siebert Lutheran Foundation is now providing opportunities for pastors to enroll in leadership training programs. The foundation’s goal is to better equip pastors for the many different roles they must play. To do this, the foundation developed the Siebert Pastoral Development Program. This program is designed to allow the pastor to create a personal advanced development program utilizing existing programs and resources available in the marketplace. The Siebert Lutheran Foundation will provide up to 15 grants per year between $2,500 and $20,000 each (up to 80 percent of the total program cost) to Lutheran congregations for support of their pastor’s advanced development program. Congregations in Wisconsin and upper Michigan may apply. Visit www.siebertfoundation.org for more details about this program. |
| PAGE 3 |
MAY 2006 |
|
By
Michael Rehak “Got Milk?” reminds me of the teacher who inquired of her class, “Where does milk come from?” Almost all of the hands of those fourth graders shot up. In unison some shouted out the answer to the easiest question the teacher had asked all year, “The Store!” “Yes,” laughed the teacher, “And from where do stores get the milk to sell?” Silence reigned! We scratch our heads and groan at the realization of the disconnect of those urban students from the realities of the world. “Got Milk?” for me is a question about seeing the deeper connectedness of the web of life. Now I have a “milk” question for you. “From where do...(dramatic pause)...pastors come?” While few good Lutheran adults offer to answer, yet, they all know, “Pastors come from seminary.” (A similar answer is, “We call our pastors from other congregations.”) Yes, that is the disconnected “grocery store” answer. Literally, many, like milk, use to come from the farm. Actually, clergy come in and through the ministries of the Church. Not too many years ago most students in seminary traced their grounding back to a home congregation. More recently, many of the students report being nurtured more by camping and campus ministries. This begs the question, “What is happening in congregations, or not happening, that inspiration for ministry is not occurring in congregations?” Before we go further, participate in a mathematical exercise. Take the age of your congregation and divide it by 20. Twenty represents an average length of service of parish clergy. The quotient represents an average number of pastors who would have served a congregation of the age of yours. Now name those members who have gone into pastoral ministry. Have you sent more people to seminary than the average of those who would have served you, or on the average have more served you than you have encouraged and sent? How long ago was that? As you consider your response, let this exercise be an invitation for the congregation to move out of the consumer mentality that ultimately creates isolationism. Such isolationism fosters a thinking that, consciously or unconsciously, is all about the congregation and its survival. “It’s all about ME!” the younger person might boast. Rather, reclaim the sense that the congregation is called more to serve than to be served; to be missional. The deeper issue is understanding the reality that, while a congregation has its own 501c3 status, nevertheless each congregation is part of the living Church. The life of the congregation and the life of the Church are held in tension by a symbiotic relationship. The life and health of a congregation is dependent on nurturing the relationship with the synod and larger church, and vise versa. This includes being conscious that sending men and women to seminary is the work of each congregation on behalf of the whole church. How might you help people to see the interdependent web of life in the Church? In which members do you see qualities for ministry? How will you affirm them and encourage them to consider ministry? Do members of the congregation realize that there is no guarantee about having a pastor, or is there an air of entitlement? If within the congregation, a loving, affirming atmosphere can not be created that encourages members to consider ministry, why would any clergy want to come and serve? At minimum how might you support ministries of the ELCA, especially seminaries, camping and campus ministries? Does your congregation support the Seminary Assistance Fund or contribute to the Synod’s Endowment Fund for Leaders? Is there a pastor in your future? There is a web of life in the Church. You’re in it. Got Milk?
|
| PAGE 4 | MAY 2006 |
|
Interested in learning from the musicians and speakers who will be appearing at the ELCA Youth Gathering in San Antonio? Here are some book and music recommendations: 3 Jim Wallis, “God’s Politics” 3 Tony Campolo, “Adventures in Missing the Point” 3 Donald Miller, “Blue Like Jazz” Bands at the gathering include: Newsboys, Krystal Meyers, Hawk Nelson and Fourth Avenue Jones. For the latest up-to-date information on the gathering, visit www.elca.org/gathering. |
|
Youth and Family Ministry workers are invited to a quarterly meeting on Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Synod Office. This is a chance to network and support one another as well as share ideas and resources. Hope to see you there! Pastor Lisa Nelson |
|
The “Gloria” of John Rutter will be presented by the Bethel Lutheran Church Choir on Mother’s Day, May 14, in worship at the 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. services. Brass, percussion and organ will join forces with the choir led by Gary Lewis. Questions? Contact Mike McArdle at (608) 257-3557, ext. 424. A Polka & Praise Service will be held Saturday, May 20, at 5:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Lancaster. A free will offering will be taken for youth attending the National Youth Gathering in San Antonio, Texas. For more information call (608) 723-4092. |
|
On April 8, members of the Global Connections Ministries Peace Team heard the interesting and moving stories of three veterans. One of the key points on which they all agreed is that military service can be a life-altering experience, and that it is very important for people to listen and understand those returning home from military service. All three speakers are available to speak in your congregation. They are: Chaplain Terry Larson, a Vietnam vet who also served 9-04 until 1-05 in Kyrgyzstan at the airbase for troops going to Afghanistan: felcpastor@centurytel.net Mike Beck, a post-Vietnam Navy veteran from 1977-81 who works with the Job Service to help returning vets find employment: michael.beck@dwd.state.wi.us Patrick Wilcox, who served in Kuwait and Iraq from 2-03 until 7-04 and is now a student at Edgewood College: pwilcox@edgewood.edu Feel free to contact them via e-mail about speaking in your congregation. |
| PAGE 5 | MAY 2006 |
|
It’s not too late to share Easter activities with your congregation! Just include one or more of these ideas in your bulletins and share them during the announcements. (Special thanks to Pastor Peter Heide for many of these ideas!) Count Your Blessings: At dinner or bed time, pray a “thank you” prayer for each member of the family. Bless each other by making the sign of the cross on each others’ foreheads. Offer a blessing such as, “You are a child of God” or “I thank God for you” or make up your own. Easter Sharing Jar: Put a dried bean in a jar each time a family member does something helpful or kind. Use those beans to make a special meal on Pentecost Sunday (June 4th) or on any day that works. Give thanks that day for the Holy Spirit's work in your lives and especially for the gifts of service and kindness that God works through us. The Road to Emmaus: This story from Luke 24:13-35 tells how the risen Jesus walked with two of his disciples. With family or friends, talk about who has been with you on your faith journey. Who has helped you grow as a Christian (parents, grandparents, Sunday School teachers, aunts, uncles, etc.)? Make them a gift or write them a letter, telling them how special they are to you. Bake Bread: Bake bread to remember that Jesus is the bread of life. Bake cinnamon roll crosses to remember how Jesus’ death and resurrection shows us that not even death can stop Jesus from loving us. Celebrate Your Gifts: Throughout the week or month have each family member write down all the good qualities and talents of other family members. (These are gifts that God has given us.) Then write each person’s gifts on a special piece of paper and give it to that person on Pentecost Sunday (June 4th). (Adapted from www.sfaparish.com) Make an Easter (Paschal) Candle: Roll a piece of white construction paper around a paper towel roll and staple it closed. Color and cut a paper flame and tape it to the top of the candle. Draw or paste a paper cross on the front of the candle. Fill in the numbers of the year (2006) in the four spaces of the cross. Draw the Alpha above the cross and the Omega below it. Check out your congregation's Paschal candle to see how to draw an Alpha and Omega. (Adapted from www.sfaparish.com) |
|
The synod’s Women of the ELCA organization will hold a retreat to experience and understand spirituality Aug. 11 and 12 at the Bethel Horizons Bible Camp Prairie Center in Dodgeville. During the retreat, participants will: *Get to know one another. *Look at favorite prayer practices. *Study Jesus’ spirituality. *Learn about the variety of spiritual paths. *Experience some of the paths in small groups. *Use free time for prayer, conversation, play or rest. *Enjoy a hymn sing. *Make the connection between prayer and daily life. *Worship often. Direct questions about the retreat to Marlene Ludolph at (608) 767-2272 or marlu@merr.com; or Betsy Baguhn at (608) 437-8937 or baguhn@itis.com. |
| PAGE 6 | MAY 2006 |
|
By Lori Richardson Mission Support:
March 2006
$ 156,660 We had an excellent month for Mission Support in March! It’s hard to believe the fiscal year is almost over! Where does the time go? As you are reading this newsletter we are preparing for the Synod Assembly, May 5 and 6. A new spending plan will be adopted for 2006-2007. For those of you attending the assembly, pay attention to the displays and the reports…see how much is taking place in our synod and in our churchwide organization. Your money is being put to good use. Please help us to continue all of the good work of the synod and the ELCA. Go back to your congregations with a report that tells of the good work we are all doing in the name of our risen Lord. |
|
David P. Mayer will lead a retreat on “Opening Your Gifts Of Leadership” on Sept. 30 at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, Madison. Mayer is coordinator of congregational ministries at Good Hope Lutheran Church, Oil City, Pa., and author of “Our Gifts,” published by Augsburg Fortress. This leadership retreat is open to all congregations in the synod and is designed to assist them in building a strategy for recruiting, training and supporting leaders who develop an awareness and enthusiasm for God’s mission in the world. Cost is $50 for a congregational team of pastor and two lay persons (registration cost includes a copy of “Our Gifts” and three lunches). To register a congregational team, contact Lori Richardson at the Synod Office. |
|
Beginning Process and/or in interims: Bethlehem, Brodhead—Interim Richard Thickpenny; Brooklyn, Brooklyn—Interim Rebecca Ninke; Norway Grove, DeForest—Interim Brad Pohlman; St. John, Janesville—Interim Ken Schaub; Lake Edge, Madison; St. Paul/St. John, Mazomanie—Supply James Schwarz; Bonnet Prairie, Rio—Interim Dean Phillips; Wisconsin Heights Parish—Interims Ted Kalkwarf and John Shep Study Process: St. John’s, Reedsburg (Associate) Awaiting Name/Interviewing candidates: Faith, Columbus (Associate); St. John, Evansville—Interim Ron Weber; ELC, Mt. Horeb—Interim David Keesey-Berg; St. John’s, Oregon; Trinity, Pell Lake (Associate); First English, Platteville—Interim Terry Larson; St. John’s, Prairie du Sac (Associate); Bristol, Sun Prairie; Immanuel, Watertown Recommended a Candidate: Immanuel, Mount Horeb—Interim JoAnn Fabie In
Transition: |
| PAGE 7 | MAY 2006 |
By Rolfe Nervig Shortly after assuming my new position on the synod staff with responsibilities for stewardship, mission support and outreach, I was struck by parallels between developments in church life and the business world. In both contexts there is dynamic energy guided by new understandings: · The importance of a systems approach to development of an organization · A positive focus on resources and capabilities, rather than “needs” and “problem solving” For the past 20+ years, my professional career has encompassed sales, sales management and leadership development throughout Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. When I joined the synod staff in February, I was pleased to find that many of the concepts that are energizing the corporate world are present in resources provided through the ELCA. There are two resources/approaches that clearly illustrate the parallel: An “Asset-Based” approach to revitalizing ministries within the congregation. This approach is based in prayer and scripture study, while focusing on building on positive assets within members and the congregation, rather than trying to “solve problems.” Parallels in the corporate world are sometimes called “Enlightened Leadership” or “Appreciative Inquiry.” “Natural Church Development (NCD).” This may be a strange-sounding title, but the approach makes sense. It is a systematic process for developing strength and vitality within the congregation. NCD is a research-based approach to church growth focusing on eight “Quality Characteristics” for church health. It follows a systematic process for developing strengths in those eight vital areas of congregational life. Similar approaches in the corporate world go under the titles of “continuous improvement,” “systems thinking” and “organization development.” For more information on asset-based or Natural Church Development resources, contact me at the Synod Office. |
|
Bonnie Block and Judy
Nolde, members of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Madison, attended this year’s
Nobel Peace Prize Forum. This annual forum, sponsored by five ELCA colleges,
is the only Nobel Peace Prize event that takes place outside of Oslo.
Land-use change, management and ownership were all problematic, so Wangari got the idea of women planting trees. At first she asked foresters to come and train the women, but it became too complicated, so she used “woman sense” and the women taught each other. The planting was easy, but ensuring the trees’ survival was hard. In the process of planting trees, the women started talking about economic and environmental issues. This was difficult under a dictatorial government where no more than nine people could congregate without a permit. So Wangari was arrested not for “planting trees,” but for “planting ideas.” Wangari used the analogy of a three-legged stool to describe the right kind of development—the legs are good governance, management of resources and peace, and the seat represents sustainable development. “What can I do?”
Wangari asked. She said to do your best in what you’re doing now. It’s the
little things that are important. Today, nearly 30 million trees have been
planted in Kenya, and tens of thousands of people have earned a livelihood
because of Wangari Maathai. And it all started with planting a tree. Other highlights of the forum were the dozens of workshops, the Luther College Choir and dancers; the worship service with Pastor Susan Briehl of Wartburg Seminary preaching; and the colorful, diverse “Global Fair.” Mark your calendars for the 19th Peace Prize Forum March 9-10, 2007, at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. |
| PAGE 8 | MAY 2006 |
|
The following letter was sent to the congregations of our synod by Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA. Please feel free to include a copy of this letter in your newsletter or bulletin: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It gives me great joy to write to you and thank you for the way in which the congregations in the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin have faithfully supported our shared mission and ministry this past year. Because of your generosity we were able to continue our outreach through the development of new congregations. One of those congregations, New Song in Henderson, Nevada, has grown to be a vital community of more than 350 people in less than three years. In Oklahoma City your financial gifts helped Grace Lutheran Church develop an urban outreach ministry called “Kids First.” Word of Life Deaf Lutheran Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, reaches out to a community of 3,000 hearing impaired or deaf individuals throughout Lancaster County because congregations from around the country have provided financial support. In Grand Haven, Michigan, Extended Care, a faith community funded in part by your financial gifts, is reaching out to people “who feel nobody wants them.” These and other ministries you are helping support are described in more detail in a publication called “Making Christ Known.” I encourage you to call Augsburg Fortress Publishers at 800-328-4648 to order free copies of “Making Christ Known” for your congregation. Wouldn’t it be great if all members of your congregation could see the results of their generosity through this church and the world? While there are many more life-changing ministries supported by your prayers and dollars that aren’t featured in our church publications, those that are featured remind us of the many more unsung servants and faithful saints who are supported by your generosity. Again, thank you for your gifts of time, prayer and money and the ongoing ministries of the congregations in your synod. Living in God’s Amazing Grace, Mark S. Hanson |
| PAGE 9 | MAY 2006 |
|
In an April 4 letter to Bishop George Carlson, the Secretary of the NELC-India, Saroj Chand Jha, sends greetings to people of the South Central Synod of Wisconsin. In response to a letter sent from the SCSW Companion Synod team, Mr. Jha states: We are pleased to hear that you are in process to print prayer petitions for your congregations’ use. We need prayer support to fulfill our commitment to build the Church. [see prayer petitions for May below.] Further, we are pleased to know that a group of people from the SCSW-ELCA is planning to visit NELC in the month of October or November, 2006. They are most welcome to NELC and hope their visit would be fruitful for NELC and help us to work together in our journey as companions. We have already communicated this news to Mohulpahari (Hospital) and Don Bosco School. Further, we are very much thankful to you for your financial support to the NELC, including the recently received $9,000 for Provident fund requirements of Don Bosco School. We are happy to inform you that Don Bosco School has already applied for the permanent affiliation. We expect that the Council [government officials] will come for the inspection to get the permanent affiliation. Before concluding, once again I express our sincere thanks for your kind concern and prayerful support. With kind regards, Sincerely yours, S.C. Jha Secretary, Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church-India Application for the fall, 2006 trip to India can be made by requesting a form from the Synod Office. Deadline for application is June 1. |
|
Petitions written by Mary Ellen Christensen at the request of NELC Secretary Saroj Chand Jha. Christensen celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church in India in 2000. She was inspired by the “passion for Christ” evidenced by the 3,000 Christians who attended the events. May 7: Pray that the NELC will have the support to fulfill its commitment to build the Church as a unified and growing Church. May 14: Pray that the NELC will be a witnessing and serving Church. May 21: Pray that the NELC will be a self-reliant Church. May 28: Pray that NELC leaders may handle internal Church affairs in the right way. |
|
The Synod Outreach Committee is planning an outreach/evangelism event for this fall. The tentative plans include a keynote speaker and three workshop sessions, lunch and devotions. If you think that sounds too familiar, help us personalize it. We want you to make it your own by sharing your input through a survey the committee has prepared. On the survey “insert” in this newsletter, you have the opportunity to tell us what topics we should cover, suggest a keynote speaker, and share your thoughts and ideas. Please help us help you in your efforts in evangelism and outreach. Thanks for your faithfulness in ministry and taking the time to complete our survey. |
| PAGE 10 | MAY 2006 |
|
Greetings Christian educators of South-Central Wisconsin! Our recent meeting on March 7 was very successful and generated a number of ideas and enthusiasm for future events as well as the hope of forming an official LACE (Lutheran Association of Christian Educators) chapter. Two ideas surfaced that we will proceed with and ask for your help in their implementation. First, we have asked Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison, to be the host site for a half-day conference on March 17, 2007. This conference would offer time for a keynote speaker, brief worship and two workshop sessions; it would begin at 8:30 and end at 2:30 p.m. The remaining details would be decided by a planning task force. We need you to consider serving on this task force! We have set a meeting date for Thursday, June 22, at 4:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran. We can view the facility at that time as well as help with planning. Bethel has parking available and you will need to enter the lot from Gorham St. and be sure to ask the parking attendant which spaces are available. For more specific directions, contact Jacqui Shanda (see information below). Second, we are planning to form a chapter of LACE and need those of you who are already members of LACE to add your congregation to our chapter application. If you are currently a LACE member (or would like to join), please forward your name and the name of your congregation to Kim Eighmy to be added to our chapter application. Once the application is received we will go forward with our meeting plans and find a name for our new chapter. For those who want to join LACE, please contact Elaine Krome, LACE coordinator at laceoffice@davtv.com Thank you for your interest and plans to support Christian educators in South-Central Wisconsin. Please respond to either Kim or Jacqui for the requests to work on the conference task force and joining the LACE chapter in a timely fashion. Please contact Kim Eighmy at (608) 845-6922 or keighmy@stjamesverona.org or Jacqui Shanda at (608) 257-3577 or blceducation@bethel-madison.org. |
|
May 5-6 Synod Assembly, Marriot West, Middleton May 8 Office Closed May 13 Youth and Family Ministry Quarterly Meeting, Synod Office May 16 First Call,
1:30 p.m. at Belmont May 18 New-to-Synod
meeting, 9 a.m., Synod Office May 21 Cruzando
Counselor Training: May 29 Office Closed, Memorial Day June 2 Candidacy Committee June 8 Global Connections meeting, 4 p.m., Synod Office June 9 CCL Steering Committee, 9:30 a.m., Synod Office June 19-24 Certification School at Wartburg Seminary June 20 Outreach Committee, 4 p.m., Synod Office July 15 Global Connections Ministries Peace Team retreat, 9 a.m.-noon, San Damiano’s, Monona |
|
The South-Central is published electronically 10 times per year by the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA, 2909 Landmark Place, Suite 202, Madison, WI 53713. Submit all articles and inserts by the 10th of the month preceding publication to address above, or send via e-mail to the editor at debra_greene@sbcglobal.net. For more information about inserts, call the Synod Office at (608) 270-0201. Visit the synod’s Web site at http://www.scsw-elca.org. |
