LCEF south wisconsin district
   
Newsletter Subtitle
 
Assistant to Assistant
August 2015
In This Issue
Leaders Listen
LCEF Video
May LCEF Powerpoint Slide
2016 National Youth Gathering
2016 National Youth Gathering
First Immanuel - YI Challenge Winner
Concordia Plan Services
Recipe of the Month
Quick Links
CALENDAR

-2015-
September 29
School Administrators Conference
CUW - Mequon

October 6-7
Retired Pastors Conference
Waupaca, WI

October 12-14
Fall Pastors' Conference
Onalaska, WI


-2016-
January 30
Passionate Believers Conference
Divine Redeemer, Hartland

July 9-14
Synod Convention
Milwaukee, WI

July 16-20
National Youth Gathering
New Orleans, LA

LCEF Upper-MidWest Districts
(Iowa East & West, Minnesota South, 
North Dakota, North & South Wisconsin) 

Share the Ministry Stories and more at lcefuppermidwest.org/news-feed

for the latest ministry news, 
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Collaboration
Four Guidelines to Help Creative Teams Stay Focused

What fears, concerns or challenges keep you from including other people in your planning process?

I posted this question on social media recently. Here's a sampling of the responses.
  • They may think you need them and will try to take over.
  • Rejection
  • Time boundaries
  • Fear of disappointing them
  • Planning process is slow...
  • Losing control over the situation...

As leaders, we know we need to include other people in our projects. We know that forming teams can lead to better ideas, increased buy-in, shared workload and more creative solutions than flying solo. If that's not enough to persuade,

remember that the people of God are a unit that's meant to include the gifts of many. If you're regularly doing things on your own, consider whether you've become the eye that has no need for a hand (see I Corinthians 12:21). We need the creativity of varied gifts. But, how do we keep our creative teams from getting out of control?

 

Here are four guides to help


* * * * * * * * * *
Matt Behrens is a screwed-up mess who's loved by Jesus. He's learning what it means to live in that reality as a husband and father, and as a child of God. Matt is a pastor to Buda, Kyle and south Austin through the Well. Matt loves to bike, climb, explore and experience life with neighbors and friends. You can connect with Matt through TheWellTX.com. 
Check Out the Y.I. Club Activity Center!

Coloring Contest!  

Hurry, Deadline is Friday, August 7 at 9pm!


Your family can win $25 for your LCMS congregation! Grab your kids/grandkids and color any picture in the new Y.I. Club Activity Center! Save the colored page and upload it in the comments of the Coloring Contest post on the LCEF Facebook page, along with your LCMS church's name, city and state. We will randomly select one winning picture at 9:00pm (CST) Friday, August 7!  

SWD...Partner With a Purpose
Look to LCEF for ministry services and resources. LCEF doesn't just fund our project, we are a partner with your ministry and seek to serve you in many ways. LCEF provides customized resources to put your "Ministry in Motion." Together, LCEF can help you strengthen your ministry enabling more people to hear about the Good News of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Check out the partnerships LCEF has in your neighborhood...
> Pilgrim, Wauwatosa: Shared Blessings Rebate Program
> Living Word High: High School Partnerships
> Aerwyn Debroux, Divine Redeemer, Hartland: Scholarships
> St. Paul, West Allis: Signature Series
> First Immanuel Church & School: Y.I. (Young Investor) Challenge Winner
> St. Paul, Oconomowoc: Vision Path


August LCEF Powerpoint Slides
A few SWD congregations have asked for one or two LCEF slides a month that promote LCEF's ministry for that particular month. These slides promote Strategic Planning, Biblical

If you would like to promote a specific LCEF ministry or program that is not being promoted during the current month, please contact me at 414-464-8100, ext. 13 or slak@swd.lcms.org and we will be sure to supply you with what you need. 

YOU'RE Invited!

LWML Young Women's Committee invites YOU to a summer event:


Did you know that we are Daughters of the Savior? Jesus chose us, died for us and was resurrected for us. We now are to live for Him! Recharge your spiritual batteries, build friendships and grow closer to the Lord. Jan Wendorf, former LWML President, from Grafton, WI will be our guest speaker for this fun event. Bring a friend, a neighbor, the more the merrier! This is a pot luck event, please bring a dish to share. The event will be held Sunday, August 16 at Covenant Lutheran Church, 8121 W. Hope St., Milwaukee, Wisc.

 

For more information and to RSVP, please call Mai Kruse at 414-531-3661.


LCEF Partner for 2016 NYG 

LCEF has been an important partner to those attending LCMS National Youth Gatherings. We will once again provide financial services for youth groups, workers, and volunteers.

 

A major concern for anyone who travels is handling money, and congregation leaders, parents and young people attending this major event are no different. We want the experience to be fun, memorable and safe!

 

LCEF's Visa prepaid cards are a great alternative to giving cash to youth group members. Lost cards can be easily replaced, and funds not used can be returned to the youth group's StewardAccount® for future events.

 

The LCEF Exchange, also will be operating during the Gathering, July 16-20, 2016, in New Orleans. this service allows for on-site cash transactions for workers, volunteers, DCEs, parents and attendees.

 

NEW this year! Youth leaders can text LCEFNYG to 3131-31 for LCEF tips and tolls as they prepare for and enjoy the Gathering.

> > If you have a youth group that is planning on going to the NYG, please have the group leader contact Robin - mueller@swd.lcms.org - at the District office. We want to make sure they are receiving all the information from the District office regarding the District event, t-shirts, etc. < <

Help Keep Our College Kids Connected to Jesus Christ!
Where will your college students be attending school this fall?
There is perhaps no more critical time for a person's faith development than the college years. The combination of being away from home, experiencing new freedoms and temptations, and having your faith in Jesus confronted or even criticized can be an overwhelming experience for our young people. Connection to God's Word and Sacrament and fellowship with other believers is so important! Please, pastors, take the time to talk to your college kids about their faith, and about opportunities to grow in that faith while away at school. God be with you as you serve your young peoples' spiritual needs. 

Our District has campus ministries, or local congregations, serving the various campuses of the University of Wisconsin. Below is a list of those ministries. If you are an SWD pastor who is close to a college campus not listed, please let us know your contact information and worship service times so that we can pass that information along.
Here is a handy Campus Ministries form you may use to collect students names and colleges they will be attending so that you can connect them to the blessings of Christian fellowship at an LCMS church near their school. And if you need help in locating a church that's not listed, or in another state, check this link to our LCMS Campus Ministry.  

Thank you for your help!  It is important for our college students to remain grounded in their faith as they are exposed to so many temptations and confusing philosophies while preparing for their future careers. So thanks for doing your part in helping them find a go-to place to get their questions answered and feel more at home. Above all, please keep these young people--and their parents--in your prayers!

Rev. Peter Kelm
SWD Missions Executive


Concordia Retirement Savings Plan
The Concordia Retirement Savings Plan (CRSP) is an employer-sponsored, 403(b) tax-advantaged savings plan. This program provides workers with an opportunity to establish a personal retirement savings account to supplement their retirement income from the Concordia Retirement Plan.

Workers whose employers have adopted the Plan and who are members of the Concordia Retirement Plan are eligible to participate in the CRSP. Workers can use the Salary Deferral Agreement to designate the amount to be contributed each pay period.

Click here for resources and to learn more about CRSP.

Recipe of the Month  
Grilled Turkey Tenderloins
(tasteofhome.com)

Turkey isn't just for Thanksgiving anymore. These tenderloins can be grilled all year round. 

Total Time: Prep: 10 minute + marinating - Grill: 10 minutes.  Yield 10 Servings
Ingredients:
  • 1-1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Liquid Smoke (optional)
  • 2-1/2 pounds of boneless skinless breast tenderloins
Directions:
  1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first six ingredients. Add turkey; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight, turning once.
  2. Drain and discard marinade. Grill turkey, covered, over medium heat for 5-6 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. 

LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF investments are not FDIC-insured bank deposit accounts. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is made solely by LCEF's Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks. LCEF StewardAccount access features provided through UMB Bank n.a. The StewardAccount is not available to investors living in South Carolina.