I have the bad habit of slipping into "either-or" thinking, convincing myself that there is only one side of an issue that deserves my attention and support. And it usually works this way: somebody offers up an opinion that I feel is too one-sided. So I take the other side. You know, to balance it out. If they say white, I say black. If they say right, I say wrong. If they say yes, then I say no!
It's an especially bad habit because the very idea of balancing out the other side is subjective, biased, and, well, unbalanced.
This happens in our culture in too many ways to count. Black lives matter. No, blue lives matter. Is it possible that both African Americans and Police Officers matter? I think so.
Poverty is the issue in the city. No, immorality ... opportunity ... jobs ... education. Um, yes?
In the church, the way this plays out is even more sad. Because we take sides that need not be taken. In fact, often taking sides misses the point. Much of Lutheran theology emphasizes keeping things in tension. Without resolution. Two Kingdoms. Law and Gospel. Faith and Works.
Spring Luncheon & Silent Auction to support SOS Center--Sunday, April 24
This fundraiser for SOS ministry will be held at Klemmer's Banquet Center, 10401 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee 53227 from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
To order tickets or for more information, contact Sheila at sstrozier@soscenterinc.org or 414-449-9964. Deadline is April 10.
Tickets are $40 each, or $300 for a table of 8.
Come to support one of our most vital ministries to our children--our future--in urban Milwaukee!
Come to enjoy fellowship and lunch with friends supporting a common cause.
Come for the fun of finding an interesting theme basket or items to take home. (Contact Johnnie Fields, jfieldsjr@sbcglobal.net if you'd like to donate to the auction.)
See you there!
Trinity-Freistadt Mission Auction
Enjoy a night of great food and fellowship for a great cause! Trinity's 7th Annual African Mission Auction has raised more than a quarter million dollars for mission work both here in our community and overseas. Join us a 6 p.m. on Saturday evening, April 16.
International Student Ministry at Luther Memorial Chapel
L to R Back row: Pastor Wieting, Jason Behr, Sarah Reynolds, Prince Solomon, Andrew Brondos, Vicar Akey. Front row:Leah Wu, Ann Hintze, Bessie Fick.
"You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God."
1 Peter 1:23
International Student Ministry (ISM) is a ministry of friendship and hospitality that we might have the privilege of inviting our international friends to hear God's Word. Leah Wu was welcomed by Luther Memorial Chapel members, and after taking Adult Instruction with Pastor Wieting was confirmed on January 31 and accepted into membership along with five others. Here she shares with us her story.
Volunteers--MANY volunteers--are needed for the LCMS National Convention July 9-14!
Online Volunteer Signup is now available for those wishing to become involved with this summer's LCMS National Convention, July 9-14. Our South Wisconsin District is excited to be the hub of all the activity this year as this 66th triennial convention will be held at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee. Choose from a variety of volunteer opportunities, pick your available days and times, and become a part of this exciting event!
A form that you can print and mail in is also available at
swd.lcms.org. Just follow the link to "LCMS National Convention" on the home page. Please call the District office, 414-464-8100, if you have any questions.
The Sorensons with their five boys.
LCMS Missionary of the Month
Our District's own Rev. Adam and Melanie Sorenson serve the Lord through The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) as career missionaries in Ethiopia. As the strategic partnership developer for Ethiopia, Adam works with the other LCMS missionaries serving in Ethiopia to build relationships with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) as they assist them in training faithful Lutheran pastors and strengthening their Lutheran identity. In addition, Adam works to implement strategies, projects, programs and grants that help further the LCMS partnership with the EECMY.
