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Mission Update
Rev. Peter Kelm, Missions Executive 
South Wisconsin District
 
414-464-8101 Kelm@swd.lcms.org
Passionate believers... confessing Christ
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African Mission Auction at Trinity-Freistadt
SWD Mercy Ministry Grants
"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)
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March 2014
When the majority becomes the minority
We've all lived it. For those pastors and faithful church members who have been leading congregations for decades, perhaps it is most obvious. But even young pastors and church leaders have sensed a seismic shift in the last decade: we're not in Kansas anymore.
 

Not that Kansas is in Kansas anymore either. The cultural decline in our country has infected and affected the "flyover" states as much as the coasts. The world is pumped into our homes and lives at an incredible pace. Biblical values regarding sexuality and marriage, life and death... and anything related to acceptable biblical social standards have all but disappeared from the public square. I'm not trying to scare you, I'm just trying to remind of you reality. Sorry.

 

Remember the "moral majority" of the 70s and 80s? Jerry Falwell and his political machine. Sure, many of us lampooned its fundamentalist image and awkward political messaging, but the reality is that we conservative Lutherans were on the same page as those Bible-thumpers on a lot of issues: life, marriage, pornography, the family... the list goes on.
POBLO Volunteers needed!   

Three POBLO outreach locations in South Wisconsin are seeking volunteers to help teach English and Sewing classes.  The locations are Brookfield Lutheran Church (English class), Bethany Lutheran Church, Milwaukee (English class) and Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Milwaukee (Sewing class).

Specific training to teach English and cross cultural outreach will be provided by Janet Wilgus and Rev. Gary Rohwer of POBLO. No previous experience is required for English. Basic experience with machine sewing of simple items is all that is required for the sewing classes. Morning, afternoon and evening are possible times for English. Sewing classes will be held mornings. Please contact Priya Manuel at priya@poblo.org , or 262-527-8385 to express your interest. Training sessions will be scheduled after feedback is received.
African Mission Auction    

Trinity-Freistadt Lutheran Church is hosting its 5th annual "Christ for Africa: A Mission Auction" on Saturday, April 26 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. This event has raised more than $187,000 since its inception for ministry in Africa and among Africans. Funds have benefited our sister seminaries in Togo and South Africa. Missionaries have been supported, and mission teams sent. Mosquito nets have been distributed, wells have been dug, and food and clothing have been provided for an orphanage. We've also helped Pastor Kasongo Gui Kabeo and his ministry outreach to African immigrants in Milwaukee. All in the name of Jesus! Besides the great cause, the night has incredible food and drinks, great entertainment and fantastic auction items.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit this link to Trinity-Freistadt's website.
Lutheran Hour Ministries Opportunities  

Men's NetWork WORK DAY is Saturday, April 26
Looking to make a difference in people's lives? If so, then Saturday, April 26, is the day for you! That's when the Men's NetWork will see guys from around the country rolling up their sleeves and lending their brawn and brains to better their local communities and neighborhoods.

Follow this link to read all of the details: Men's NetWork

Lutheran Hour Ministries Outreach Conference
Lutheran Hour Ministries has become a wonderful resource in so many areas of ministry, but their calling is still focused on reaching out to a dying world. They are hosting an outreach conference in Detroit from July 24-27 this Summer. I'm going, and would love to have an SWD contingency there. If you're going, or are interested in going, let me know. We may even be able to get a group rate.

Here is the link to the conference information: Lutheran Hour Ministries Outreach Conference
Mercy Ministry Grants    

Thanks to a generous gift from LCEF, SWD is making available mercy ministry grants for congregations. These grants, for up to $1,000, are intended to encourage congregations to take a leap of faith in engaging in some kind of new mercy ministry venture. For more information, click here 
for the invitation letter and application form.

The deadline is May 1, 2014
Need a guest preacher?  I'd be happy to preach for a mission festival or District Mission Sunday...or just to give your preacher a break.  My calendar opens up in June.
Rev. Peter Kelm, Missions Executive, Kelm@swd.lcms.org
Peg Raabe, Administrative Assistant, Raabe@swd.lcms.org
You may call us directly at 414-464-8101