District Mission Update

Passionate Believers... Changing Life

Mission update

August 2013

"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice..." (John 10:16)

Peter Kelm

Greetings from the District Office

Let me introduce myself...and this e-newsletter, Mission Update. I'm Rev. Peter Kelm, the new Mission Executive for your South Wisconsin District, after 13 years in the parish-11 of those years here in SWD (five years at Immanuel, Brookfield and six at Trinity, Freistadt). I'm a graduate of the St. Louis Seminary (M.Div. '99 and STM '13), although I did some graduate work in Ft. Wayne, too. My wife, Angie, and I have three children: Jacob (13), Caleb (12) and Chloe (8). We live in Cedarburg. I know many of you; I look forward to getting to know many more.

The purpose of this bi-monthly newsletter is simply to share what your brothers and their congregations are doing in SWD to proclaim the Good News of a Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep-only to take it up again. That proclamation, centered in Word and Sacrament weekly in all of our congregations, extends to our communities, country, and world as we are sent forth to confess the powerful Gospel that other sheep might listen to His voice.

Learn More

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CHURCHES PLANTING CHURCHES

Why do it?

Why would we plant a church when we're barely surviving? What's the point of planting a new church-we have so many struggling "old" churches around? Who can afford support for another ministry these days? Click here to learn more about church planting.

MERCY MATTERS

One of the great blessings of the last few years in our Synod has been the focus on mercy. We have a merciful God who has shown us mercy in Christ and calls us to show mercy to our neighbor. Share with us what your congregation is doing--or planning to do--to share mercy with your neighbors, across the street or around the globe. The rest of us might learn...or thank God for what He is doing through your ministry. Send your thoughts to me at kelm@swd.lcms.org.

WELCOME TO PASTOR & MRS. PRADA

The South Wisconsin District welcomes, Pastor Alfonso Prada, the newest member of our Hispanic Outreach Ministry Team. Pastor Prada will be serving at St. Martini Lutheran Church & School, Milwaukee. He and his wife, Rosmy, come to us from the Lutheran Church of Venezuela.

The Pradas are in need of some basic items to set up their new home in Milwaukee. Please check this list to see if you have any of these items to donate.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Every year kids that we confirmed just a few years ago leave for college. Their need for the Word, his Supper, and the encouragement of other Christians is at an all-time high...but how will they stay connected to the Body of Christ? Click here to be connected to our District's Campus Ministries on our website, or call the District Office for the contact information for a congregation near your child's campus. Please encourage your young people to let your church office know where they will be attending school! You might also get a group of empty-nesters from your church to pray for your college kids and send them care packages. I don't need to tell you that assaults on their faith will be intense in college. Remind them to stay connected to the Word.

MISSION TRIPS?
Let us know...

I'm always amazed at how many congregations in SWD are regularly and actively involved in sending groups on mission trips...around the country or around the globe. But some congregations don't have the critical mass or funds to sponsor their own trips. Do you have extra space? Interested in expanding the impact beyond your congregation? Could you take along an extra person or two? Let us know...we'll publicize it.

HAVE STOLE--WILL TRAVEL

Want a free guest preacher? For a mission festival, a District Sunday, or simply a break from the pulpit? I'm available! Let me know.

Rev. Peter Kelm
414.464.8101

In a constantly changing world, the South Wisconsin District discovers, celebrates and advances vibrant models for growing discipleship, missional leaders and church worker wholeness.