News from South Wisconsin District

Changing Life

October 2013

Dear Bro

thers and Sisters in Christ,

After decades of research a profile of the perfect pastor has been developed. He preaches exactly 15 minutes or is that 30 minutes, covers all the great truths of the faith in a way that the smallest child can understand. He courageously condemns sin, but never rubs anyone the wrong way. He works from 8 in the morning until midnight, yet still spends plenty of time with his family. He works for below average wages, but wears good clothes, drives a respectable car, and is generous in his support of the church. He has the energy of a 20-year old, but has 40 years of experience. He is gentle and handsome, loves to work with people of all ages, and is equally gifted in all areas. He is never thrown off message by those who complain. He tells the funniest stories during his sermons. He makes umpteen calls a day on hospital patients and shut-in, yet is always available in his office when you need him. Do you know anyone who fits that description? I don't. Click here to read full article.

Mission & Ministry New

Pastor Prada Needs a Car!

You may have heard that Pastor Alphonso Prada was installed at St. Martini on Friday, September 20th. The service was a beautiful reminder of uniqueness of Pastor Prada's context at St. Martini. The service was in both English and Spanish, and included some traditional Hispanic music, favorite Lutheran hymns, and a couple upbeat songs by the students of St. Martini school. Pray for Pastor and his wife Rosmy as they settle into their new ministry!

And...we thought we had a good lead on a car for Pastor Prada, but it fell through. If you know of anyone who has a solid used car for a fair price, we'd be interested. Let me know. Thank you!

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CALVARY LUTHERAN CHAPEL REDEDICATION

Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

Calvary Lutheran Chapel

70 State Street

Madison, WI 53703

Special Guest: Rev. John Wille

President, South Wisconsin District - LCMS

Click here for the full story on the remodel

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Reformation Festival Service

Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 3:30 p.m.

Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. John C. Wille South Wisconsin District President

Pastors are invited to participate by processing as a group for the service. Please meet in the lower level of Trinity 15 minutes prior to the service and bring your RED stoles.

Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church UAC

1046 North 9th Street

Milwaukee, WI 53233

Free street parking available

Poster attached Bulletin Inserts

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THANKS "GIVING" MISSION

Once again the South Wisconsin District (SWD) is partnering with Brookfield Lutheran church to provide "Thanksgiving Baskets" to families and individuals in the central city of Milwaukee, who may not otherwise enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. The meal consists of vegetables, potatoes, rice, yams, apple juice, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, pie topping, dinner rolls and a turkey. The goal every year is to fulfill the requests for Thanksgiving baskets we receive from central city Lutheran pantries in Milwaukee. Last year 1032 baskets were delivered. Through your prayers and financial help, together our goal this year is to increase the number of baskets to 1056. Your generosity not only provides nourishment, it also shows the love you have for your neighbor. Donate Here

Thank you, and may God continue to bless you as you have been a blessing to many others!

For additional questions or needed information, please contact Rev. Peter Kelm, SWD Mission Executive at (414)464-8100 or kelm@swd.lcms.org or Barb Slak at (414) 464-8100 or slak@swd.lcms.org. Donations appreciated by Thanksgiving.

Human Care News

Lutheran World Relief box Car Loading Date is October 12

Donations of quilts and kits will be loaded on to box null cars to begin their trip to people who need them all over the world. This Lutheran World Relief collection will take place on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2012, from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at 12th Street and Mt. Vernon in Milwaukee. Click here for more information about items needed and where the quilts and kits went last year. You can also find other drop off locations by zip code at this site. Read More

LCEF Update

A Look at the Y.I. Club

LCEF Y.I. (Young Investor Club)

Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is introducing the

Young Investors (Y.I.) Club to help children and teens save for the future and learn about using money as a gift from God.

An investment in a Y.I. StewardAccount can be started with just $25. Y.I. Club benefits include:

3.5% October 2013 Premium interest rate on balances up to $1,000
Y.I. Club newsletters and web activities
Report card extra credit - $1/A up to $25/calendar year to existing Y.I. investment
Service hours extra credit - $25/10 hrs./calendar to existing Y.I. investment
College scholarship program for high school seniors
Option for older teens to begin using a debit card
Contests and fun!

Ready to learn more? Check out Y.I. Club at lcef.org or call 800-843-5233/

***Order FREE Bulletin Inserts for Y.I. Club***

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Educational Loans for Pastors

Higher education costs are rising and student loan debt is one of the most troublesome obligations faced by many pastors. A crushing debt may cause ministers to concentrate more on their financial needs and less on their call for serving their communities. The burden can be huge.

LCEF's educational loan repayment program will provide the needed financial assistance to support LCMS ordained ministers to successfully reduce their existing school debt. With loans directly to the pastor or to his congregation, we can help. For more information

Schools Youth & Family

Mentoring Program

The District, in conjunction with CUW, has developed a mentoring program for first year teachers. This program is intentional, meaning the mentor is someone from "outside" the school, so not to put additional time and strain on current staff.

This program will be piloted with potentially three new teachers. Funding is supported through the District, CUW and the Federal Title Program.

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LEA Convocation
In just over a month, the triennial Lutheran Education Association Convocation will be held at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee. We are expecting over 2,500 participants from around the country as well as the world. If you are not a commissioned worker, there are still other ways to be involved in the convocation. There are approximately 300 volunteer opportunities throughout the three day event. If you or members in your congregation have interest in helping, please contact Mark at lheureux@swd.lcms.org or (414-464-8102).

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State Youth Gathering

The State Youth Gathering will be held November 1-3, 2013 at the Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells. Early registration ends this Friday, October 11, 2013. More information is available on the District website. [un]Paved Ministries will be leading the mass events. Go to YouTube to check them out or visit [un]Paved Ministries website