Volume 17, Issue 8
OCTOBER 2005
The South-Central Newsletter
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Volume 17, Issue 8 |
OCTOBER 2005 |
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The South-Central Newsletter
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NEWS |
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IN THIS SPECIAL EDITION Inserts |
From Pastor George Carlson, Bishop
Happy anniversary! On four of the last five Sundays, I have greeted congregations…
I have sensed a deep appreciation of their history and heritage, a keen awareness of the trust and courage of the founders and earlier disciples of each community of faith. Looking back marks an important part of an anniversary celebration. Looking ahead must balance and even override looking back. Jesus made that point clear in a conversation with some would-be followers when he said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) I see signs of looking ahead in our synod. God’s Spirit works in us to look beyond our own needs to the needs of others. Awareness of the devastation caused by tornadoes around Stoughton and by Hurricane Katrina has moved people to donate dollars for relief, to collect material items to give to others, and to offer shelter for those with no homes. Our God-intended humanity of caring for one another as much as we care for ourselves often finds expression in the face of tragedy. I pray that this tragedy opens our eyes and hearts to look at our individual and societal priorities and to lead us to new depths of compassion and care for the poor in our communities and nation. I pray that we hear and embrace a call to give sacrificially beyond generously, through contributions and taxes and re-ordered priorities, as we take up the cross of Christ for the sake of others. I see signs of looking ahead as congregations become increasingly aware of new people in our communities from different ethnic backgrounds. Like our immigrant ancestors, people of Hispanic and Asian descent come here with hopes of new beginnings and opportunities for a better life. They have become nearer neighbors in rural and urban areas alike within our synod. Like us, they need caring, supporting communities that share the love of God in word and action. Representatives from any congregations wishing to explore how we might respond to these opportunities will gather at Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison, on Oct. 20. (see article on page 7) I see signs of looking ahead as we seek to identify and nurture future leaders. I met recently with the congregation council at St. Paul’s, Baraboo; the congregation has four members presently enrolled in our ELCA seminaries. St. Paul’s rejoices that God works in and through them to provide leaders for the whole church, confident that God’s Spirit will use the gifts of God’s people to reach out to people in the 21st century. I pray
that because of our looking ahead, people in the future will look back with
gratitude to God for working in and through us. We can help shape a happy
anniversary for many! |
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OCTOBER 2005 |
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Plan now to attend the 2005 Area Ministry Fall Event, “Sharing Successful Evangelism and Stewardship Strategies.” The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 550 Lincoln Drive, Sun Prairie. The day features Luther Snow, a noted author and developer of Asset Mapping: A Strategy for Uncovering Hidden Assets of Congregations and Organizations. Come join your fellow Area Ministry members for a day of dialog, learning and fellowship. There |
will be a number of workshops centered around evangelism and stewardship, as well as learning about confirmation mentors, youth and family ministry and resources, new confirmation material and the new hymnal for the ELCA. Madison Church Supply will have a display at the event. The cost of the event, including refreshments and lunch, is $15.00 per person, payable in advance by Oct. 22 to the Synod Office. This is necessary to plan for refreshments and lunches. |
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A workshop on the “Congregational Visioning Process” will take place Saturday, Oct. 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church, Fitchburg. Pastor Dick Inglett of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Portage, will lead this workshop, which explains an approach and provides materials necessary to lead a congregation through a 10-week visioning process. That process includes a vision-statement |
retreat and ways of implementing the vision into the life of the congregation. Inglett, who has developed and led this process effectively in his current congregation, also teaches in the Lay School of Ministry. For more details, see the insert in this newsletter. Or, contact Inglett at (608) 742-8502 or ringlet@jvlnet.com. |
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The Wisconsin Council of Churches is sponsoring a day of study and reflection for clergy and lay leaders on the lectionary Gospel for the coming year called “Preaching and Teaching the Gospel of Mark,” with Presenter Theodore (Ted) W. Jennings PhD, Professor of Biblical and Constructive Theology at Chicago Theological Seminary. The day of study will be held 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on the following dates: |
Monday, Oct. 10, at Lake Edge United Church of Christ, Madison Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Wesley United Methodist Church, Wausau Wednesday, Oct. 12, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, West Allis Thursday, Oct. 13, at First Presbyterian Church, La Crosse |
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OCTOBER 2005 |
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By
Michael Rehak In the basement of my home, I recently came across the “Basket of Pretend.” It still possessed dresses and scarves and belts, elegant shoes, the finest jewelry and of course the magic wand. This crucible of fantasies and possibilities and dreams had been so important in the maturation process of my daughters. Through its contents, they and their friends (often not seen to the eye of the parent) would venture off into new realms, adult worlds of the future, and into times of old. This pretending was so important as relationships, attitudes, behaviors and responses to others could all be tested, practiced and put to use. In his recent book, “From Maintenance to Mission,” Dr. Craig Nessan of Wartburg Seminary suggests that Sunday morning worship is the time and the place for us to pretend the Kingdom. If the Kingdom of God is going to be important and meaningful in our lives, we need a place where we can practice. The liturgy of worship provides such a framework. As I read that book (and I do strongly recommend council and worship committee members to ask your pastor to lead you through that book as a study) my mind went to my favorite quote from “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis. In that story, a novice in the underworld is receiving instructions on dealing with humans. He is told, “Watch out for those humans for they tend to become what they pretend to be.” How true! To be successful at any job or position in life requires that we can envision what it would be like to be accomplished in that task. The vision, the dream, drives the practice, the pretending of being accomplished. The more we humans pretend to be something, the more we become it. |
So, next time as you dress for church and as you enter the sanctuary, know that while you may think you are just going to church (as though it were merely some holy obligation) you are actually entering God’s world of pretend. You have been invited into life’s drama. As a child, a child of God, you are to pretend being how God sees you; a chosen race, a holy nation, God’s own people; forgiven, redeemed and restored. And as in any good time of pretend, not only will you meet some very nice people, but you will also have the opportunity to hone your skills in working with some ogres and bullies. Watch out! You might even experience the magic spell whereby through the power of love they become more caring and generous and Christ-like. And so do you. P.S. Be mindful of three upcoming events that will help clarify the drama of being and becoming the Children of God: The Discernment Event, Vision Training and the Day with Luther Snow. (See details in this newsletter.)
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The countdown to “launch” is in its final days. Four representatives from the South Central Synod of Wisconsin—Bishop George Carlson, Solveig Carlson, Pastor Jerry Folk and Pastor Kathy Ulrich—will gather with eight people from the NW Minnesota Synod and the NE Minnesota Synod and two from the ELCA Global Mission Unit for a pre-trip orientation Oct. 6. The entire delegation will leave Oct. 7 for Chennai, India, to meet with representatives from the three India companion synods for a joint synod consultation, Oct. 10-14. It is a COMMITMENT TO ACCOMPANIMENT. The consultation will provide opportunity to learn from each other, to explore collaborative possibilities for mutual ministry, and to strategize how best to “walk together.” Purposes of the consultation were stated in full in the special edition of this on-line newsletter in early August. The above-named persons are going to India because this South Central Synod is COMMITTED TO ACCOMPANIMENT. They each have received a partial subsidy from the $2,500 designated in the 2005-2006 Global Connections Ministry budget. The 2005 Synod Assembly, held in May, endorsed the following resolution: ….(last WHEREAS): ….in order to continue to strengthen these relationships for our mutual growth, it is imperative to have the financial commitment of the Synod for reciprocal visits, as it is the work of the entire body, not merely of individuals who represent the Synod, |
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin seek to establish a Companion Synod Exchange Fund of $25,000 to support sending visitors to or receiving visitors from the Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church [India], our companion synod. Thus far, $2,200 has been received and designated for this Fund. If each of our 150 congregations gave $200, the Exchange Fund goal would be exceeded. The synod knows of one couple who made a commitment to the fund and challenged their congregation to match their gift. Others have talked about designating loose offering over a period of weeks, while others are using special gift envelopes for such a purpose. Will our COMMITMENT TO ACCOMPANIMENT match our resolve? The Companion Synod (CS) team hopes that a delegation will go to the NELC in 2006 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of a Lutheran presence in India and to spend time studying facets of the NELC ministry. There will be an application process for trip candidates and a subsidy determined for trip participants with the expectation that each participant be involved in subsequent presentations and/or as a team member of Global Connections Ministry. The CS team invites the NELC to consider opportunities in our synod for learning and also sharing insights. |
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McFarland Lutheran Church invites everyone to attend its annual Mini Global Mission Event on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The morning’s activities include global worship, a keynote address and breakout sessions. Bob Sitze, Director of Education at the World Hunger Appeal Office, will give the keynote address and also present a workshop. Other workshop presenters are Susan Corrado, Parish Nurse of the Allied Drive |
area in Madison, and Esther Ngonuo, a Wartburg Seminary student from Arusha in Tanzania. No pre-registration is required. There is no charge for the event, but a free-will offering will be taken. The church is located at the corner of CTH MN and Marsh Rd. in McFarland.
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By Lisa
Nelson Praying together... In their book, “Frogs Without Legs Can’t Hear” (Augsburg Fortress, 2003), David Anderson and Paul Hill tell of a pastor who writes prayers for the couples she marries (page 145). She then puts these prayers in an envelope and gives them to the couple during the ceremony. She asks the couple to commit themselves to praying for and with one another that very night. (This would have to addressed during premarital counseling.) As she gives them the envelope of prayers, she tells them of its contents and asks them to pray the first prayer together that very night. The others are for the following nights. She also gives copies to the best man and maid or matron of honor in case the couple loses theirs. This pastor is considering asking friends and family members to write prayers to place in the envelope as well. Often people at these weddings ask for copies for themselves so that they might pray them with their spouse. Wedding blessings... |
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Blessings and Rituals: For Langhauser always includes the laying on of hands and a blessing for the participants during the rehearsal. She also sometimes has participants hold the rings and offer their own prayers and blessings upon the couple. The rings come to represent not only the couple’s love for each other but also the support of the community and the love of God. |
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Excerpts from an e-mail received 8/31/05 “Greetings to [Bishop George G Carlson and the SCSW-ELCA] in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ. Warm welcome to India and God-willing, we will see each other in Chennai during the Conference. I am thankful to you for your prayer support, love and concern for the companion Synod NELC. Surely I will wear the stole which you will be sending with Rev. Tim Iverson. [Iverson, executive director of Global Health Ministries, visited the NELC Sept. 7-13 to define and strengthen the healthcare partnership.] I am grateful to you and the ELCA for support* to the following NELC institutions: Tabitha weaving and Bible school, Gaurang Boro Bible school, Eklakhi Girls’ High School, Naraiyanpur Girls’ High School, Benagaria Santal Theological college, |
Mohulpahari Nursing School and Mahara Santal Girls’ High School. With prayers and best wishes, [Moderator Bishop] Shiblal Soren” *Synod Assembly offerings the past two years were designated for NELC educational institutions with priorities determined by the NELC. NOTE: The September 2005 issue of the NELC Newsletter is available in the “Global Connections” section of the South-Central Synod website: www.scsw-elca.org. Read about the Silver Jubilee celebration on Oct. 5 of the NELC Radio Ministry; the terror and damage caused by an elephant; and joys and concerns to be lifted up in prayer. Also, please see the “inserts” section of this issue of the South-Central for a half-sheet bulletin insert that can be duplicated for congregational use. |
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By
Lori Richardson Mission
Support,
August 2005
$138,721 Our August Mission Support was up from last month and last year. Thank you for all of your help. We are all aware of the great difficulties in the Gulf Coast region. A note was recently sent by the ELCA stating they have collected over $1.5 |
million as of Sept. 8 for Hurricane Katrina relief. This is wonderful news and will be used well by Lutheran Disaster Response. While we all want to help in every way we can, please remember that the synod and ELCA still need to function and your mission support dollars make that happen. As for the Fire Fund that was set up to help Christ Lutheran in Stoughton, we have collected $2,401 as of Sept. 12. This money was collected from churches, but mostly from individuals who sent in their dollars. Thank you to all congregations and individuals in the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin for your generosity to others and to our synod. |
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The fall
Sabbath Day for rostered leaders is scheduled for Nov. 13-14 at the Bishop
O’Connor Pastoral Center in Madison. The theme for the retreat is “The
Waiting Heart,” and will center on Psalm 62. |
p.m. or Monday morning at 9 a.m. Overnight cost is only $20 and those coming on Monday pay just $10. Checks may be made out and sent to the Synod Office. For additional information, contact Chris Lee-Thompson at (608) 222-0422 or pastor@hope-in-action.org.
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Beginning Process and/or in interims: Good Shepherd, Madison (Associate); ELC, Mt. Horeb—Interim David Keesey-Berg; Immanuel, Mount Horeb—Interim Timothy Vadis; St. John’s, Oregon; First English, Platteville—Interim Terry Larson; Bristol, Sun Prairie—Interim Larry Pinnow. Study Process: St. John, Evansville—Interim Brad Pohlman Interviewing candidates: Zion, Bagley/St. Peter, Cassville—Interim Burton Everist; St. John’s, Beaver Dam—Interim Rich Collier; Faith, Columbus (Associate); Christ, Lancaster/St. Paul’s, Potosi—Interim Margaret Ley; Hope, Milton—Interim Jerald Wendt; St John’s, Prairie du Sac; St. John’s, Richland Center—Interim James Steinbrecher; Immanuel, Watertown |
In Transition: Kevin Grondal (AIM) to Immanuel, Watertown from Wartburg Seminary D. Foy Christopherson from On Leave from Call to Northeastern Minnesota Synod—First Lutheran, Little Falls Joel Ley from First English, Platteville, to Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod—Christ Lutheran, Walla Walla, Wash. Rebecca Ninke from Covenant, Stoughton, to On Leave from Call JoAnn Post from On Leave from Call to New England Synod—Concordia Lutheran, Manchester, Conn. Kari Vadis from Wisconsin Heights Parish to On Leave from Call |
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In May, the Synod Assembly adopted a resolution calling on the synod to establish “at least two (2) cultural minority ministries by the end of the year 2010.” The ELCA Churchwide Assembly also adopted two ethnic ministry strategies. Those two events compel our synod to look at opportunities regarding ministry with and among Latinos. As a result, Bishop Carlson and his associates, Scott Austin and Michael Rehak, held an exploratory meeting with Pastors Bill White and Pedro Suarez as well as Aura Suarez and Alice Mowbray, who serve on staff at Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison. Bethel has had a very good start on ministry with Latinos. Our synod has opportunities at several locations to begin Latino outreach. Together we can collaborate to develop a Synod Latino Ministry Outreach Strategy. |
The Bishop invites pastors and lay leaders from every congregation with interest in and commitment toexploring ministry with and among Latinos to meet Thursday, October 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison. Dinner will be available from 6:30 to 7:00 for a small contribution; the Bethel parking lot will be busy but the ramp nearby is an alternative. Participants will see first hand one aspect of Bethel’s outreach and hear of other concrete initiatives in Beloit, Wisconsin Dells and Marshall. Carlson says, “I believe God has given us this moment to share God’s love with people relatively new to our synod, people hungry for the good news we have received and can share generously. Please join me in welcoming the Spirit’s leading us as we consider our response!” |
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The Barneveld Cluster will hold a joint worship service with the South African singing group Thula Sizwe—sharing the word through music and story. All are welcome to attend the service on Oct. 16 at 10:30 a.m. at the Richland Center High School Auditorium. A lunch will follow the service. During lunch, all children and others are invited to learn about South African culture through folk songs |
and discussion. Thula Sizwe is a ministry of Ardipy International Exchange Ministries. For more information visit www.ardipy.com and click on Thula Sizwe. For more information about the event in Richland Center, or for directions to the high school, contact Pastor Jonathan Baker at (608) 553-2150 or peacebethlehem@mhtc.net. |
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Calling all Christian educators! You are invited to a gathering for those who work as volunteers, leaders or helpers in the ministry of Christian Education (children, youth and adults). We are hoping to form a chapter of the “Lutheran Association of Christian Educators,” (LACE) a newly forming organization within the ELCA. The vision of LACE is to “create a community for energizing and inspiring ELCA Christian educators for their work through: facilitating communication, offering venues for idea-sharing and support, providing resources and |
educational opportunities, nurturing spiritual growth.” Please join Jacqui Shanda and Kim Eighmy at St. James Lutheran Church, Verona, on Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. RSVP by Monday, Oct. 10, by contacting Kim Eighmy at St. James, (608) 845-6922 or keighmy@stjamesverona.org or Jacqui Shanda at Bethel Lutheran Church, (608) 257-3577 or blceducation@bethel-madison.org.
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School started on Sept. 1 for the students of Martin Luther Christian School, Stoughton, despite the destruction by fire on Aug. 17 of Christ Lutheran Church and the school. Until the school is re-built, Martin Luther Christian School day care has joined the preschool classes at First Lutheran Church, Stoughton. The elementary school has been relocated to Covenant Lutheran Church, Stoughton. You are encouraged to remember Christ Lutheran Church and Martin Luther Christian School in your prayers throughout this school year. Especially pray for the pastors of Christ Lutheran, Scott and Paula Geister-Jones, and the members of the congregation, the board of MLCS, the staff, students and their families, and all of the congregations that make up the MLCS association. |
The ELCA has invited ELCA schools and early childhood learning centers to assist Martin Luther Christian School to get back on their feet and has set up a special fund at the ELCA. Letters of comfort and hope from ELCA school, center and church leaders as well as letters from children are also encouraged. Donna R. Braband, ELCA Interim Director for Schools, hopes to deliver a check along with many letters of support to the Martin Luther Christian School on Nov. 1.
The South-Central Synod has set up its own account to collect funds to assist the school and Christ Lutheran Church. Checks can be sent to “South-Central Synod of Wisconsin” designated for “Christ Lutheran Disaster Fund.”
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Pastor Bruce Burnside of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Monona, invites you to hear and meet Dr. Tawfiq Nasser, Director of Lutheran World Federation’s Augusta Victoria Hospital, located on the Mt. of Olives in Jerusalem. He will be in Madison on Sunday, Oct. 9. In August, the Churchwide Assembly, meeting in Orlando, urged synods, congregations and individual members of the ELCA to support a just process of peace-making in Palestine/Israel and pointed to Augusta Victoria Hospital as a symbol of hope. For more than 50 years, Augusta Victoria has provided creative, compassionate and high-quality care to Palestinians from villages and refugee camps throughout the West Bank. Its charitable mission has faced many obstacles, but perhaps none greater than the Security Wall surrounding Jerusalem and dividing the West Bank and now a menacing tax case brought upon the hospital by the state of Israel. Dr. Nasser provides steady and imaginative leadership through increasingly difficult times, not losing sight of Christ’s mission for us to care for |
those who are losing hope. Nasser, a devout Palestinian Christian in the Anglican tradition, lives in the West Bank city of Ramallah and works in Jerusalem. He speaks with deep passion, evident wisdom, contagious humor and steady faith with an extraordinarily articulate voice. He will preach at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 5700 Pheasant Hill Rd., Monona, at 8:00 and 10:00 morning worship and will make a presentation during education time, beginning at 9:10. In the afternoon he will speak at Memorial United Church of Christ, 5705 Lacy Rd., Fitchburg from 4:30-5:30. An evening reception of hospitality and conversation (RSVP requested) will be held at Burnside’s home, 1109 Gilbert Rd., Madison, from 7:30 to 9:30. You are welcome at any and all events of the day. To RSVP or for information and directions please contact Burnside at (608) 222-1241 or burnside.ststephens@tds.net. |
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All who want to learn about the Synod’s Lay School of Ministry are invited to Discernment Day at St. James Lutheran Church, Verona, on Saturday, Oct. 15, 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. The registration fee of $10 will include lunch.
The morning’s schedule includes: *Small groups for initial exploration of vocational questions *Session on “big vocational questions” led by Michael Rehak *Introduction to the Lay School of Ministry led by Jim Bailey and Kim Eighmy The afternoon’s schedule includes four workshops: *Sample session of the Introduction to the New Testament course by Dick Inglett |
*Sample session of the course on the Church’s Ministry & Mission by Jim Bailey *Computer lab demonstrating online courses led by Julie Phillips *Session for further discussion of vocational questions led by Michael Rehak *Closing worship led by current Lay School students Interested lay persons are encouraged to participate with their pastors in this event. Register by calling or e-mailing Kim Eighmy at (608) 845-6922 or keighmy@stjamesverona.org. Include your name, address, phone and e-mail address along with the name of your home congregation and pastor. |
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Youth worker meeting dates for the remainder of 2005 are:
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All meetings are held at the Synod Office and begin with Bible study at 10 a.m. The group always goes out for lunch following the meeting. For more information, contact Kay Enslin at the Synod Office. |
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Women of all ages are invited to attend McFarland Lutheran Church’s third Women’s Event on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Join the women of McFarland Lutheran as they explore the Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Kindness and Self-Control. Keynote speaker Angela Khabeb will focus on Love and Joy in her morning address. Breakout sessions include: Faithfulness by communication experts Sharon Mylrea and Claudia Orvis Self-Control by Parish Nurse Linda Mahlberg Gentleness and Kindness by disaster relief volunteer Janet Knutson and Linda Taft Peace by peace and justice activist Bonnie Block |
Patience by Lake Waubesa Bible Camp director Dawn Kregness. Music will be provided by the McFarland Lutheran music team, Crossover. The cost of the Women’s Event is $25 up through the early bird deadline of Oct. 22. Seniors (65+) pay $20. Registration after Oct. 22 is $30. The Women’s Event includes a lunch of Veggie or Turkey Wrap, homemade soup, dessert and beverage. Women who attend also will have the opportunity to purchase items on display from Global Express or shop at the Rachael Circle Book Sale arranged by Words of Hope Book Store on Monona Drive. McFarland Lutheran Church is located at the corner of CTH MN and Marsh Rd. in McFarland. |
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Voices of the 18-member Lighthouse Singers Choral Ensemble will fill the chapel of St. Benedict’s Center in Middleton on Sunday, Nov. 6. They’ll sing for farm families facing emergencies. They’ll sing for farm practices and consumer relationships critically important to the Earth’s survival. They’ll sing so Churches’ Center for Land and People can help meet these challenges. The concert is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken during the musical performance. Proceeds will expand winter farmer’s market benefit sales being organized with churches in eight denominations across Wisconsin and Iowa. Farm family vendors at these winter markets donate 10 percent of their proceeds to a non-profit fund called Harvest of Hope, which helps farmers in times of emergency. Churches’ Center for Land and People, which partners with Harvest of Hope, is setting up the markets with Lutheran, |
Catholic, United Methodist, United Church of Christ, Presbyterian, Unitarian and Episcopal Congregations in three states. The upcoming concert is Churches’ Center for Land and People’s first public program since moving from Sinsinawa Mound, Wis., to the St. Benedict’s Center in July. A farmer’s market at St. Benedict’s Center, starting at noon, will precede and follow the Nov. 6 concert, which takes place from 3 to 4 p.m. Farm vendors will resume benefit sales for one hour after the concert, concluding the event at 5 p.m. Jonathan Overby, host of Wisconsin Public Radio’s Higher Ground program, leads the Lighthouse Singers, who come from Madison, Monroe, Stoughton and Sun Prairie. Their music ranges from traditional pieces in Latin, Italian and African dialects, to contemporary selections, such as “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” in both solo vocals and instrumentals. |
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The LYO
event planned for Oct. 21 at Lutherdale has been canceled. |
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On Nov. 5, seven agencies involved in adoption and foster care services in southern Wisconsin are co-sponsoring an education fair for families interested in adoption and foster care. This free event will be held at the Bishop O’Connor Center in Madison from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in celebration of National Adoption Month. Short
presentations will be held every 45 minutes and informational booths will be
set up. Professionals will be available to explain the decision-making
process and details of foster care, domestic, international and special
needs adoption. |
Charities, Children’s Service Society, Dane and Rock County Department of Human Services, Lutheran Social Services, PARC and Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. All families who have thought about adoption and/or foster care are encouraged to attend to learn more and meet staff and experienced foster and adoptive families. Childcare, snacks and activities will be available throughout the day. Contact Kate at (608) 270-6609 or kgates@lsswis.org with questions or if you need directions.
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“Black Theology and Womanist Theology in Dialogue: Which Way Forward for the Church and Academy?” is the first time church leaders and scholars from across the United States will be brought together to debate topics that are part of past and ongoing discussions among black religious communities. The conference will be held in Chicago Oct. 31-Nov. 4 with sessions featuring Jeremiah A.Wright, Jr., Jamie T. Phelps, Iva E. Carruthers and James H. Cone. Participants in the conference, which is free and open to the public, will be an even mix of men and women, with each presenting on topics traditionally associated with the opposite gender, followed by a response from his or her counterpart. Representatives of both perspectives will critically engage issues key to the life and success of everyday people in communities, churches and in the academy. Topics include “Survival and Quality of Life,” |
“Black Male as an Endangered Species,” “Jesus the Man,” “Human Sexuality” and “How Long Oh Lord? The Future of BT-WT Dialogue in Church and Academy.” A full list of topics and participants is available at www.lstc.edu. “Black Theology and Womanist Theology in Dialogue” is funded by the Louisville Institute (a program of the Lilly Endowment) and sponsored by the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, the University of Chicago Divinity School, and cosponsored by the Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture and the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, both at the University of Chicago. For further information and for directions to the conference visit www.lstc.edu or call Marcy Miller at (773) 256-0721.
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"Expanding our Borders: Growing in Mission” is the theme of the annual twin cities conference on Global Health Care to be held at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St. Paul on Saturday, Oct. 22. All who are interested in global mission are encouraged to attend the conference featuring informative and inspirational presentations along with worship and music. Keynote speakers will talk about unique, comprehensive community health outreach programs in Madagascar. Morning workshops |
will cover:
To learn more, visit www.ghm.org. |
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Labyrinth walks, held at the Madison Christian Community, 7118 Old Sauk Road on Madison’s west side, are open to the public. The labyrinth walk schedule for the remainder of 2005 follows. The hours listed are drop-in hours: Wednesday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. New Year’s Day, Sunday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. $5 donation suggested for each walk. For more information on the labyrinth, contact Sonja Keesey-Berg at (608) 836-1455.
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Oct. 5-15 Companion Synod trip to India Oct. 15 Lay School Discernment Day Oct. 20 Endowment Committee, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 21 Leader Dinner at Pine Knoll in Lake Mills Oct. 21-22 Lay School of Ministry Oct. 22-24 Certification School Oct. 24-26 Pre-Retirement Seminar in New Glarus Oct. 28 Leader Dinner at Milwaukee Grill in Janesville Nov. 5 Fall Area Ministry Event at Our Savior’s, Sun Prairie Nov. 6-9 FCTE (First Call Theological Education) Fall Event at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Marathon, Wis. and ENCORE Event Nov. 10 Outreach Committee, 4 p.m. |
Nov. 11 Leader Dinner at Monona Gardens in Madison Nov. 11-12 Lay School of Ministry Nov. 15 Interim Meeting, 11 a.m. Nov. 17 New to synod meeting, 9 a.m. Assembly Planning Committee, 3 p.m. Nov. 18-20 Certification School Nov. 24-25 Synod Office closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 29 Executive Committee, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 1 Deans meeting Dec. 6 Synod Office closed for all-day staff meeting Dec. 9-11 Certification School Dec. 9-10 Lay School and Graduation Dec. 10 Synod Council |
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DIRECTOR OF SENIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Madison, seeks an energetic and organized person to work full time coordinating and developing a senior high youth ministry program. Experience either as a volunteer or staff member in the youth ministry field is required. An undergraduate degree in a related field preferred. Theology and practices must be compatible with those of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Please apply by sending a cover letter and resume to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5701 Raymond Rd, Madison, WI 53711. Attn: Bonnie Wendorff. SENIOR CHOIR & HANDBELL DIRECTOR: McFarland Lutheran Church seeks a Senior Choir/Handbell Director. Candidate will be responsible for coordinating music times and dates in conjunction with music staff, establishing schedules and music selections, and participating |
in the worship services. This is a part-time position with weekly rehearsals and two services a week. Please send resume to McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Rd., McFarland, WI 53558 or call for more information at (608) 838-3184.
YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTER: Pecatonica Lutheran Parish, Blanchardville, seeks a full-time Youth and Family Minister. AIM preferable, but not necessary. Person would help teach confirmation, coordinate already active Junior High and Senior High ministries and develop family ministries. Salary based on level of experience and synod guidelines. Contact pecparish@tds.net or (608) 523-4239 and ask for Judy or Pastor Mark.
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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 www.scsw-elca.org. |
