a publication of the south wisconsin district of the...

South Wisconsin District—LCMS

in this issue:

Sheboygan’s clothing angels

8

Promoting the work of our hands

6

Christ forall nations

7

Biblestudy

12

Volume 2, Issue 3 Summer 2012

PassionateBelieversA publication of the South Wisconsin District of The Lutheran Church —Missouri Synod

Convention supports CatholiC stanCestory on page 4

Volume 2, Issue 3 Summer 2012 South Wisconsin District—LCMS

Passionate Believers ... Changing Life2

Welcome

Passionate Believers is a quarterly publication of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations within the South Wisconsin District. It shares stories about our partnership in the gospel and how we work towardsmaximizing, magnifying and multiplying the ministry that is done with and through local congregations. If you would like to submit ideas, stories, or letters for the next publication, please send them to [email protected] by Aug. 1.

South Wisconsin District – LCMS8100 West Capitol Drive

Milwaukee, WI 53222(414) 464-8100

In Wisconsin: (800) 793-3678Web: swd.lcms.org

E-mail: [email protected]

Our missionThe South Wisconsin District empowers life changing ministries of bold, passionate witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our visionIn a constantly changing world the SWD discovers, celebrates and advances vibrant models for growing discipleship, missional leaders and church worker wholeness.

Our core values Discipleship Community Integrity Diversity Excellence

Last fall, Rev. Gui Kasongo, pastor of International Lutheran Church of Zion in Milwaukee, made a

mission trip to his homeland of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. When he got back in November he already began planning a return trip, much like St. Paul, so he might continue to preach the gospel to his people there, as he does to his congregation here in the U.S.

His return trip to the Congo is for six weeks beginning July 20. He will visit the congregations in Bas Congo, Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, and also the clinic in Kasai. In each place he shares the Bible and teaches from Luther’s Small Catechism in the French language. The questions asked of him are no different than anywhere else: What can I do in order to be saved? What is baptism? How many times should I be baptized and by whom? The Lord’s Supper: is it just the bread and wine that I receive or the true body and blood of the Lord, and what is the real presence?

“The need for the small catechism is so big,” he said. “The cost for one is $8 to order [through the Lutheran Heritage Foundation] from Canada.” He would like to give one to each family or elder of the African congregations for free “because they can’t afford to buy one.” He will need to order 1,000 copies to distribute.

Pastor Gui, the Congo and 1,000 French catechisms. Please keep this work in your prayers, and if you’re able to assist financially, checks should be made out to the International Lutheran Church of Zion/African missions support, 5740 N. 86th St., Milwaukee, WI 53225.

Pastor Gui, the Congo and 1,000 French catechisms

Cover photo: President John Wille (left) presentsMilwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki with a District convention resolution that commends the Catholic Church for its stance on religious freedoms and defense of the rights of the unborn.

Pastor Gui teaches a group fromthe congregation in Kasai.


maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries 3

Our common purpose in ‘Life Together’

The following statement

is part of the strategic plan for SWD, as the core value of excellence is defined: “We are committed to lifting up and displaying high standards for personal responsibility as well as mutual

and corporate accountability in all of our dealings with all people.” According to that definition “excellence” is an admirable core value especially as we live out our relationship with each other. St Peter draws our attention to that when he writes in the opening paragraph of his Second Epistle,

His [Jesus’] divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self- control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

That definition of excellence is lived out as we honor our vocation as the people of God. That was highlighted at length during the 53rd convention of the South Wisconsin District—LCMS, which concluded June 12.

As part of my opening words to the convention, I asked the following:

The question is: Will we honor our calling as the church in this time and this place? Will we work together for his purpose, or our own purposes? It is easy for us as individuals or even as a congregation to go marching off in our own direction, doing our own thing, without taking into consideration our sister congregations, concerned only for ourselves. But our Lord has not called us into the church to be “lone rangers.” He has called us together into koinonia—“life forgiven, life together” for his purpose.

We can get so much more done for our Lord’s

Kingdom by working together than we could ever accomplish individually. Together our gospel voice in this world is magnified as we speak together. Together our Christ-centered witness in this world is maximized as we work together. Together our Christ-centered impact on this world is multiplied by our koinonia.

Let’s take a look at ourselves in view of what the Apostle Paul says. Are we the body of Christ in this place? Are we united in a common purpose as the people of God in this time and this place? Are we as the people of God united in our direction, heading toward the same goal? Do we share our Savior’s passion for the lost, a passion that he defined and measured with the breadth of his hands nailed to the cross, with the crown of thorns which he wore because of our sinful willfulness? Is your congregation about you and what you want or about Christ Jesus and about what he wants?

Questions to be answered, and which can only be truly answered as we live out our lives together as the forgiven people of our heavenly Father. May God bless us as we strive for just that!

Rev. John C. Wille



Convention supports Catholic stance; Wille reelected president

Gathering under the theme “Live

Forgiven, Life Together,” South Wisconsin District 2012 convention delegates voted June 10 to commend the Catholic Church for its stance on religious freedoms and defense of the rights of the unborn. The resolution was presented by President John

Wille to Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki June 21 at the Concordia Catechetical Academy’s 19th annual symposium in Pewaukee.

Both the LCMS and the Catholic church have expressed opposition to the United States Department of Health and Human Services mandate that religious institutions, with only a narrow religious exception, must provide access to certain contraceptive benefits (including contraceptives that can function as abortifacients), even if the covered medications or procedures are contradictory to their beliefs.

Rev. John Wille was reelected as LCMS—South Wisconsin District president on June 10, 2012, at the District convention. Wille has served as president for the past six years and was elected for a third term in office.

Four regional vice presidents were elected and then ranked as first through fourth vice president: Rev. Rev. David Paape, first VP, Central East

Region, second term; Rev. Daniel Torkelson, second VP, Southeast Region, second term; Rev. Robert Zick, third VP, Northeast Region, first term; Rev.

Mark Meier, fourth VP, West Region, second term. Newly elected servants were installed at a worship service Tuesday, June 12.

Among other business the delegates approved resolutions to: transfer Camp LuWiSoMo property to a new

Camp LuWiSoMo corporation once one is formed and received as an LCMS Recognized Service Organization, prior to Jan. 31, 2015

appoint a task force to develop a process for the support of District missions

continue District partnership in the Dominican Republic mission, to encourage support of the deaf ministry of South Wisconsin as well as campus ministry at Calvary Chapel, Madison

encourage “Life Together” in the South Wisconsin District through the unity of practices regarding the Lord’s Supper.

President’s reportDuring his report to the convention, President Wille emphasized the idea of “koinonia,” often translated as fellowship in the New Testament, and the implications this life together has for us. “We are part of a much larger church. We are part of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod; part of the Holy Christian Church, part of God’s family of believers,” Wille said. “[I]t is time for us to set aside our self-will, our willfulness;time for us to cherish the forgiveness that Jesus purchased for us, time to live that forgiveness as we interact with each other…. We can get so much more done for our Lord’s Kingdom by working together than we could ever accomplish individually.”

The convention theme—life forgiven, life together—is part of the reason why the SWD tagline is “Passionate Believers Changing Life.” Passionate believers are changing life as we


Dr. Harald Tomesch (right) introduces seminary candidates and students, including Praveen Manuel. He and his wife Priya work with POBLO.

President John Wille and Archbishop Jerome Listecki



1) magnify partnerships, 2) maximize resources and 3) multiply ministries.

Maximize resources—Twelve years ago South Wisconsin District congregations contributed $3.25 million to our joint mission and ministries, compared to just over $2 million this year. But in the last six years capital indebtedness has been cut by more than half. In 2000 SWD also forwarded 40 percent of unrestricted dollars to national LCMS ministries. Currently 15 percent of unrestricted dollars are forwarded. Wille hopes that will increase to 20 percent next fiscal year, but “that depends on us working together in our Lord’s kingdom.”

Multiply ministries—The 2009 SWD Convention adopted a goal of starting 50 new ministries in five years. The present count is over 30, but it has not been easy, especially in light of financial limitations. “One of the things we have learned along the way,” Wille said, is that it is “not about buildings; but rather it is about Word and Sacrament, it is about relationships.”

Magnify partnerships—Among 214 congregations, 120,000 people, 58 elementary schools, preschools and six high schools, there are many wonderful mission stories and partnerships to talk about! Partnerships are magnified as we all work together, such as campus ministry in Madison with Mt. Olive and Calvary Chapel; the Lutheran Deaf Mission Society; growing relationships between SWD schools and the Lutheran school in Palmar Arriba, Dominican Republic; Shorewood’s Luther Memorial campus ministry to UWM international students.

Special guestsLCMS President Matthew C. Harrison preached at the opening memorial worship service and reported to the convention on Synod activities, also answering questions from delegates. Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr., president of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, presented the convention essay. CUW’s Dr. Dan Paavola led an animated Bible study about God’s grace, which both holds us together and keeps us safely apart when under pressure.

The 53rd LCMS—South Wisconsin District convention was held on the campus of Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon June 10-12, 2012. Complete election results, resolutions and videos are online at swd.lcms.org. The Convention Proceedings are distributed to congregations and delegates at the end of July.


The president and vice presidents are installed at the convention’s closing worship (L to R): Rev. Robert Zick, Rev. David Paape, Rev. John Wille, Rev. Daniel Torkelson and Rev. Mark Meier.

LCMS President Matt Harrison answers questions from the convention floor.

Dr. Dan Paavola illustrates a Bible study using instant muffin mix.

A gemütlichkeit dinner at Trinity-Freistadt, Mequon, features a bountiful buffet

and beverages, Pomeranian dancers and Mariachi music.



On May 17 dozens of members of the South Wisconsin District gathered at the Hilton

Garden Inn in Milwaukee for an evening of fellowship and celebration of missions. Rev. Bart Day, executive director of LCMS National Mission was scheduled to be the keynote speaker, but at the last minute was unable to attend. Rev. Don Hougard of Benediction, Milwaukee, filled in and spoke about mission opportunities within the city.

Because it was Ascension Day, Pastor Hougard focused on the wounded hands of our Lord, which blessed the disciples as he ascended into heaven. Those same hands that bless us with the gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation, also bless our hands in the service of our Lord.

Pastor Hougard shared some of the changes in the area in which Benediction is located. When the congregation was formed 50 years ago, there was a need for several Lutheran congregations in the area because people were leaving the central city for the far north-west side. Today that part of the city is rapidly

changing again. It is now less than 50 percent white with many African American, African immigrant, Hispanic and Hmong families who have moved into the area.

God has blessed the work of the hands of the people of Benediction. The congregation began a Hmong ministry several years ago and has baptized over 30 new Christians. The Hmong membership now makes up about 10 percent of the congregation and is led by Vicar Moua Vang. Several traditional Benediction members teach English as a second language and have formed strong relationships with their Hmong neighbors. The congregation also offers Hmong language and culture classes in the summer to show that it is possible to be proudly Hmong and Christian.

In 2006 Rev. Gui Kasongo began ministry to French African immigrants in the area. Last year they were chartered as a new congregation in the LCMS with a membership of over 100 souls. The members of the International Lutheran Church of Zion have been so proudly Lutheran that they have shared their faith with friends back in the Congo where three new congregations have been formed. In addition Benediction took over Rev. Eberhard Klatt’s German radio ministry, Evangelische Andacht.

There have been failures and struggles. It has been very challenging to have several ministries share the same building. There have been immigration and cultural issues to deal with. It is very important to understand that mission never occurs without these costs. Pastor Hougard highlighted the importance ofworkers who understand the target culture and are committed to Lutheran doctrine and practice. It is also of utmost importance that we desire a relationship as brothers and sisters in Christ with those whom we reach with the gospel.

God is promoting the work of our hands


Serving four different cultures at Benediction Lutheran Church of Milwaukee are (left to right) Rev. Don Hougard (English and German), Rev. Gui Kasongo (French African) and EIIT Vicar Moua Vang (Hmong).

Lois Dallman (left) leads a class of English as a second language while forming

friendships at Benediction Lutheran Church.



By Rev. Tim Sims, Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee

Pentecost made it clear: Jesus Christ is the Savior for all people (Acts 2). As The

Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod we know that full well. Our church began its rich history as a group of German Christians who arrived from across the Atlantic Ocean as immigrants settling around the St. Louis area in Missouri. We began as an immigrant church longing for the opportunity to live in the grace of Jesus Christ in a new and strange land.

We now have the wonderful opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who are immigrating to the United States today. It is estimated that half of the 500,000 Hispanic immigrants in the state of Wisconsin reside in or near Milwaukee. Many of these immigrants arrive with no knowledge of, or faith in Jesus Christ. Even those who are baptized believers often struggle in finding a church home once they arrive. There are several groups in the South Wisconsin District who are helping in the effort to reach out to immigrants.

One such group is Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones (CPTLN), Spanish for “Christ for All the Nations.” This offshoot of Lutheran Hour Ministries is aiding congregations in reaching out to Hispanics. CPTLN is directed by Rev. Germán Novelli, a man who himself has benefited greatly from LCMS efforts to reach out to Spanish-speaking people. His family came to know Jesus Christ and was brought into the church as God’s hand guided missionaries to Venezuela.

As director of CPTLN Pastor Novelli, along with Bessie Fick, is multiplying those efforts by helping pastors and congregations reach out to Hispanics. Several congregations have already benefited from CPTLN’s work. CPTLN recently opened the Hispanic Center of Milwaukee. Located on the Oklahoma Avenue Lutheran campus, it is an outpost facilitating an active working relationship with several other churches: Grace and St. Martini in Milwaukee, and Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) in Racine.

Their mission plan is based on the idea that churches should not be establishing separate Spanish speaking congregations, using facilities of existing churches. That paradigm has struggled to maintain longevity in the past. Instead, the goal is to welcome, instruct and assimilate multigenerational and bilingual Hispanic families into existing communities. As Pastor Novelli puts it, “Dos idiomas, una iglesia—multicultural” (“Two languages, one multicultural church.”) It is this idea that has sparked Spanish language catechism classes on Saturday nights and a

bilingual worship service on Sundays at Oklahoma Avenue. In addition, CPTLN is offering opportunities through an after school program at Grace, and worship and family events at St. Martini.

Through the work of CPTLN, the message and spirit of Pentecost is being perpetuated in the South Wisconsin District.

CPTLN: Helping congregations reach out to Hispanics


Summer vacation Bible schoolat Grace, Milwaukee

After school program at Grace



Did you know that many parents who mourn the loss of a premature baby have no other

choice than to shop toy stores to purchase doll clothes for burial clothing? And even at that, doll clothes do not fit properly and only serve to give the parents more suffering.

In September 1997, a young mother miscarried triplets at five months into her pregnancy. As she and her husband sadly prepared for their babies’ funeral, the bereaved couple found themselves shopping at Toys-R-Us for their clothing. The mother’s name is Diana.

After hearing Diana’s story and speaking with a local funeral home director and the chaplain at an area hospital, the Tuesday women’s Bible study group at St. John Lutheran Church in Waverly, Iowa, decided to respond to this need by organizing the Diana’s Angels Project. Much prayerful and thoughtful planning followed this decision. Thanks to the wonderful talents of a member of the group and some helpful advice

from the nurses at one of the local hospitals, patterns were soon designed and drawn. By December 1997 clothing was sewn and placed at area

hospitals. But this was only the beginning. Today many Diana’s Angels Project groups all over America are busy at work sewing for a large number of hospitals. Thousands of tiny outfits have been lovingly sewn and used to clothe some of God’s smallest creations. The families are comforted with the words of Psalm 121 and offered Christian support, heartfelt love and sympathy.

One of these groups belongs to Our Redeemer, Sheboygan. They began a chapter of the Diana’s Angels Project in June of 2002 after reading about it in a 2001 issue of the South Wisconsin District News. Assisted by members from a few other churches, they continue to provide burial garments for infants that are stillborn or born prematurely. This year they are celebrating their 10th anniversary of doing so.

They began supplying two local hospitals, and after a few years were able to add more. Currently they supply this clothing to 26 hospitals as far north as Rhinelander, west to Marshfield and south to Mequon. Last summer they delivered 234 outfits.

There is no charge to the hospitals or to the grieving families—it’s all free. Volunteers offer this service first with God’s help and direction and also through donations, cookbook proceeds, taking advantage of sales when purchasing

materials, and memorials from many of the grieving families. Some of these families remember the Diana’s Angels Project annually on the day that they will never forget.

The Sheboygan group consists of six cutters who cut a complete outfit at one time. They work one evening a week in the church, where the materials are housed. Packages are picked up by six other women who take them home to sew. When returned to the church, each set

Our Redeemer, Sheboygan, celebrates 10thanniversary of clothing ‘angels’

The clothing is all made of flannel in four sizes: x-small, small,

medium and large. Girls have dresses with knitted booties or

sleepers, along with a matching kimono, bonnet and blanket.

Boys have jumpsuits or sleepers, along with a matching kimono,

bonnet and blanket.



is packaged with a contents list and a brochure explaining how the Diana’s Angels Project began.

Several congregations in the South Wisconsin District have formed chapters.If anyone is interested in starting their own chapter, Our Redeemer’s group would be happy to meet for “show and tell” time or other assistance. Contact the church office at (920) 452-0717 or e-mail [email protected].

They are particularly hoping that a congregation in the western part of the District would be interested in serving that side of the state.

More information about forming your own chapter may be found at dianasangelsproject.com. There you can find a pattern book, more photos and complete information about how to start your own group.

Rev. Dan McMiller, SWD’s missions and evangelism executive for the past seven

years, bade farewell to staff, friends and coworkers in the ministry on May 4 at the District office. About 100 people stopped by that afternoon for brats, hamburgers and all the fixings to wish McMiller God’s blessings on his new ministry.

On June 15 he stepped into his new position as executive director of Luther Academy, as Rev. Daniel Preus retired from the same post.

“I look forward to the challenges of Luther Academy,” said McMiller. “The mission of bringing confessional Lutheran theology to struggling, isolated and even suffering brother

clergy in partner churches around the world, while walking with and even under LCMS World Mission and the servant leaders of these churches is a great, great honor.”

Please remember him in your prayers as he begins this new mission walk with God’s people everywhere!

McMiller will be missed by many, including Rev. Chris Ikanih (left), Dick Laabs and Chuck Moore.

The youngest attendee at the

farewell picnic is Angelina Wolff,

granddaughter of Dr. Thomas Feiertag.

Rev. Dan McMiller with his wife Lisa

New ministry ahead for Rev. Dan McMiller



By Mark L’Heureux

Administrators are often asked to describe their school in terms of excellence.

Typically this is in response from meeting with perspective families or ways of marketing their program. Nevertheless, like it or not, we are asked to explain and, at times, defend what makes our schools excellent.

A school’s excellence is frequently measured by numbers, whether academic growth, number of extracurricular programs offered, or even the misconception of school size. However numbers only support, but do not define excellence.

We have many programs in LCMS school ministry that help define excellence, including National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) and Strengthening Schools and Congregations (SSAC). This past year, 32 of our 61 schools were acknowledged as accredited schools of NLSA. New schools receiving accreditation in August are Zion, Menomonee Falls; Grace, Menomonee Falls; Trinity, Oshkosh; and Good Shepherd, Watertown. Last fall NLSA, along with other Christian organizations (WELS and the Catholic Church) were recognized as an approved accreditation program in the State of Wisconsin! Up until last year, only private organizations were approved by the State of Wisconsin to accredit schools specific to the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program.

As well, four of our schools went through the SSAC program, intended to strengthen and revitalize Lutheran elementary schools that are

experiencing problems in ministry. Both of these programs are designed to better the quality of education.

We can and should tout the excellence our schools achieve—high academics, extracurricular programs, being accredited and having certified and licensed staff. But I would argue that, more importantly, we should lift up the faith development of the child.

Education should be defined as a lifelong journey, not a destination. For a child, it takes effort from committed parents/guardians and teachers to “train up the child in the way he should go.” This child’s life also has purpose from the education he/she receives; to be a contribution to others as directed by the craft hands of the Master Builder. Our excellent Lutheran schools are here to help the churches’ young to grow, develop and mature, and to live meaningful, satisfying and eternally significant lives.

Because of our Lutheran schools, many have entered into church work professions. God uses the gifts and abilities of all serving in the Lutheran school ministry to develop into lifelong servants. We are the instruments of Jesus. And with that charge, we need to continue to be the examples of excellence by growing, serving, learning, developing and maturing in all areas of our Christian faith and life. We want this for our children so that they too can be the hands, feet and voices; the agents and instruments of Jesus, people privileged to fulfill God’s purpose in daily life. There is nothing more excellent than that!

Excellence in Lutheran Schools



SWD missions weekly prayer calendar “Passionate believers…changing life” – this is what we are when we share the truth of the gospel with others, and also when we pray! We invite you to partner with us in prayer as we bring these petitions to our Heavenly Father.

Week of July 1 – As our nation celebrates the freedom we so often take for granted, pray that our leaders and citizens recognize God’s supreme authority over all things. Guide those in authority to maintain peace and the freedom to worship You without fear of persecution.

Week of July 8 – Pray for all members of our District congregations and their pastors, that God would grant them a little time away from their daily tasks this summer to refresh their minds, bodies and souls while discovering new ways of serving God and His Church.

Week of July 15 – Remember the chaplaincy ministry in the Sheboygan area this week as they praise our faithful God for 40 years of full time ministry to the residents of health care facilities in that location. Pray boldly for His continued grace on Rev. Tom Fleischmann, and for His blessings on his service to those in need.

Week of July 22 – Pastor Gui Kasongo, French African immigrant and ordained LCMS pastor, will be spending six weeks in his homeland of the Democratic Republic of the Congo through August. Pray for God’s protecting hand on Pastor Gui and for the Spirit’s power on the hearts of those with whom he shares the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Week of July 29 – Please pray this week for Pastor Bud Palmer and Pastor John Reinke who serve a vital and growing ministry in our District among our deaf communities and their families. People who cope with a severe loss of hearing need our love, prayers and assistance.

Week of August 5 – Pray for God’s protection as a volunteer mission servant group from Oconomowoc begins a week of service to our mission in the Dominican Republic. Remember also Brian and Jeanette Keller, our members from Brookfield Lutheran, who organize and direct this construction ministry serving our LCMS missionaries there.

Week of August 12 – Please join with our District in prayer for the new Karenni ministry that has blossomed out of the assistance that the people of Trinity-Freistadt have given to these immigrants from the refugee camps in Thailand. May God graciously open their hearts to the gospel.

Week of August 19 – Hold up our prison and ex-offender ministry this week and ask the Lord to bless the efforts of pastor-candidate Afam Ikanih, Rev. Elijah Ndon and lay worker Patrick Batom as they assist and equip many to find their way to true freedom through Jesus Christ.

Week of August 26 – As the school year begins once again, ask our Lord to bless our teachers, students and parents of our LCMS grade schools, high schools and universities. Pray that our Lord will be honored in these places, and will keep these precious souls faithful to Him in all they do until He calls them home.

Week of September 2 – As you pray this week, remember our District’s Hmong ministry in Brown Deer, Milwaukee, Manitowoc, Oshkosh and Sheboygan. Please ask the Lord for His Spirit to encourage Pastors Blong Vang and Faiv Neng Her in their ministry among their people and in their raising up future leaders in these communities.

Week of September 9 – Boldly pray this week for Pastor Chris Ikanih, pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, who is instrumental in leading many to know their Savior, Jesus Christ in the Milwaukee urban neighborhoods and among the African immigrants who settle there.

Week of September 16 – In your prayers this week, include our District’s Hispanic outreach to this rapidly growing population in our District through the efforts of the Hispanic Lutheran Hour Centers under the leadership of Pastor Germán Novelli which include the congregations of Holy Cross in Racine, Grace and Oklahoma Avenue in Milwaukee.

Week of September 23 – Please pray this week for our student and international student ministries within the UW system. Ask our Lord to work mightily through the friendship and hospitality that is offered to students away from home and country on these campuses in our District.

Week of September 30 – Include our District’s ministry to the Middle Eastern and Muslim immigrant communities in your prayers this week that is accomplished by God’s grace through partnering with POBLO (People of the Book Lutheran Outreach) at its Brookfield location. Grant that we may learn more ways of effectively reaching our new neighbors with the saving message of the gospel.


Passionate Believers ... Changing Life


12

Bible study: Pursuing excellence, avoiding mediocrity

By Dr. Harald Tomesch

Survey any masterpiece in the great art galleries of this world and your mind can’t

help wander to thoughts that are pure, lovely, excellent and worthy of praise. Yet few of us have ever painted, drawn, sculpted, forged, or otherwise created a work of art displayed in a famous gallery. Sometimes we think that only the elite, the gifted, the entitled, the wealthy or the famous have such opportunities.

Sometimes this way of thinking leads us to believe that passionate believers are only those people who are gifted elites, or special folks who are entitled to work within the Church. Many times we live in mediocrity—we identify with Lutherans living in the fictional Lake Wobegon. According to Garrison Keillor’s claim, at Lake Wobegon the women are strong, the men are good looking and all the children are above average—yet in reality, mediocre. Today St. Paul would have us consider Philippians 4:8, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” This Bible study is about “excellence” and thinking about things that are worth of praise. Let’s start with a masterpiece. What do you see?

Now read Psalm 8:1 and Psalm 36:7. Note that excellence is rooted in the God who created us! Excellence is also rooted in our Savior too. First read Hebrews 1:1-4. Then note how our Master has the touch of excellence in Mark’s gospel. In this miracle he speaks the creative, life-changing, tongue-freeing word!

Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” (Mark 7:31-37)

Note how Jesus, who is both the author and perfector of our faith, has obtained our salvation in what is excellent. Hebrews 8:6 says, “Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he

mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.” Jesus has not established his promises only on the good, but the better and the best! This excellent work speaks us as righteous, his craftsmanship, his royal diadems.

Sistine Chapel ceiling—Creation of Adamby Michelangelo

maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries


13

Read each of the following passages anddescribe unique features and observationsabout excellence: I Corinthians 9:24-27; I Corinthians 12:31; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 3:17,23; Colossians 4:6; I Peter 1:18,19; I Peter 2:11,12.

In Christ, Christians do everything in an excellent manner to bring laud and honor to our Lord! Excellence is more than mediocrity, it pursues as way of life in Christ that is second to none.

Read in Philippians 1:9-11 how Paul praysfor excellence for the Philippians. How is “excellence” portrayed in the following passages from Philippians? 1:19-26; 2:1-11; 2:12-18; 3:1-11; 3:12-21; 4:2-9.

List individuals, both men and women, in the whole of the Bible who have lived in Christ with excellence. List 20 examples. Reflect on Hebrews 11, Revelation 1-7, Proverbs 31; Daniel or Ruth.

What are some ways a commitment to excellence would impact your personal walk with Christ?

Your life with your family and children?

Your home and possessions?

Your relationships with others?

In your passions and hobbies?

Your job?

Your ministry?

What is the source of that excellence in Christ?

Read II Corinthians 7:1; II Corinthians 12:9-10; Colossians 4:12; Hebrews 13:20-21; I Peter 2:8-9.

Passionate believers do change life! That is a core value for the members of the South Wisconsin District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. In mission and ministry take a look at the ordinary excellent people who are making a difference in the body of Christ. As you read this magazine reflect on the excellence that is portrayed on every page. Consider its source in God and perfection in Christ. Mirror your Jesus, then mirror the men and women of faith who have gone before you and imitate them in Christ. Glory be to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Crowning with Thorns by Caravaggio

The Resurrectionby El Greco



Hong Kong-Manitowocexchange

Eighteen teenage students and two adult

chaperones from Hong Kong were hosted by Redeemer, Manitowoc, when they visited Wisconsin June 22-July 5, 2012. The exchange team is from Ma Chan Duen Hey Memorial College (MCDH) in Hong Kong, SAR, China.

Redeemer mission teams have served this school annually since 2010. Redeemer is planning the next trip to Hong Kong this October through LCMS World Mission. Because of the ongoing relationship between Redeemer and MCDH, it was decided that a select group of students would visit and serve Manitowoc this summer. They helped with Redeemer’s vacation Bible school. They also assisted with a beach cleanup, sang at a local nursing home, and helped construct the boardwalk at the Manitowoc Public School Forest, in addition to visiting area attractions.

Mt. Olive, Madison, preschool celebrates 25 years

Come sing, play, and learn of Jesus with your friends” is what Mt. Olive preschoolers in

Madison have done for 25 years. Each day the children played, built, jumped, sang, ate, clapped, followed, laughed, painted, talked, listened, biked, climbed, bounced and prayed together. Each month the children learned a simple table prayer which they shared at home. Janelle Tonsager has been the director of the Mt. Olive preschool in Madison for 23 of its 25 years. She is leaving to pursue other opportunities, and the congregation honored her and celebrated the ministry’s quarter

century on June 3. The preschool will continue with new staff and with God’s guidance theprogram will always “Share in Christ.”

Senns celebrate 60th anniversaries

In June St. John, Fredonia,

observed Rev. Arthur Senn’s 60th anniversary in the office of the holy ministry. Senn served St. John from 1964-75. Originally from Memphis, Tenn., Senn was ordained in 1952 and served congregations in Texas, Ohio and Ottawa, Canada, before coming to Fredonia. Afterward he served Redeemer, Manitowoc, then Zion, Neshkoro. After his first retirement in 1989, he helped establish Calvary, Princeton. In 1993 he was called to Grace, Hancock, and later served St. Paul, Wild Rose. He entered his final retirement in 2000. Senn and his wife Olga also recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. As proof that pastors never really retire, Senn has been conducting worship services at the Harbor Club in Port Washington for the past five years, and his wife is the accompanist.

Sheboygan chaplaincycelebrates 40 years July 15

A lot can happen in 40 years of ministry to residents of health care facilities.

Workers retire, nursing homes close or change hands, and the faces of the residents often change. But one thing remains—the need to bring Christ to the elderly, infirm or developmentally disabled residents of those facilities. The Sheboygan chaplaincy ministry celebrates its 40th anniversary July 15, 2012, at the Sheboygan County Memorial Airport. Call (920) 892-2211 for registration information or visit wheniwasinneed.org. If you cannot participate but wish to lend support, mail your gift to Chaplaincy Ministry 40th Anniversary, P.O. Box 351, Plymouth, WI 53073.

Around the District

Exchange students from Hong Kong visit Redeemer, Manitowoc. Rev. Arthur and Olga Senn

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The South Wisconsin District empowers life-changing ministries of bold, passionate witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Upcoming events

Celebrating

July14 Engaging Rural Communities, Shepherd

of the Hills, Onalaska15 Singles luncheon, Perkins, Delafield21 LutherFest, Martin Luther High School,

Greendale

August3 Early childhood literacy festival on the lake,

Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon10 New worker orientation, District office, Milwaukee

Singles miniature golf, Prairieville Park Adventure Golf, Waukesha

13 Church worker golf outing, Rock River Hills, Horicon

BirthdaysJuly14 Walter Degner, 95, St. John, West Bend31 Leroy Thom, 90, St. John, West Bend

August1 Ilis Donovan, 90, Pella, Waupun14 Esther Zimdars, 102, Trinity, Oshkosh27 Doris Hergert, 90, Trinity, Oshkosh30 Martin Griepentrog, 95, St. John, Horicon

September9 Rose Mehne, 95, Trinity, Oshkosh20 Laurel Kramer, 95, Pella, Waupun24 Meta Krahn, 102, St. Bartholomew, Brillion26 Thomas Kewley, 90, Covenant, Milwaukee

AnniversariesJuly7 Ken and Char Schmidt, 50, Grace, Omro20 Herbert and Marilyn Kilian, 55, St. John, West Bend21 Chester and Marion Possin, 66, Pella, Waupun27 Rev. George and Pauline Mumm, 60, St. John,

West Bend

August6 Ken and Bernice Amundson, 60, Grace, Omro11 Terry and Marnie Zamzow, 50, Pella, Waupun23 Arnold and Doris Zahn, 60, Covenant, Milwaukee24 Alice and Harley Koehler, 55, St. John, West Bend26 Rev. Jerry and Hertah Presuhn, 50, St. John,

West Bend

September2 Wallace and Shirley Peters, 68, Pella, Waupun7 Jerome and Carol Braack, 55, Messiah, Ripon14 Loren and Marie Nonhof, 55, St. John, West Bend21 Lloyd and Elaine Zeamer, 55, St. Bartholomew,

Brillion28 Frederick and Denese Otto, 55, Trinity, Oshkosh

Passionate Believers home deliveryFor $5 per year you can have four quarterly issues of Passionate Believers delivered to your door. Make your check payable to South Wisconsin District and mail to: Passionate Believers, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53222.

Name _____________________________________________ E-mail _______________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________________City, State, Zip ___________________________________________________________________________________

Please sign me up for the following free e-mail subscriptions: Changing Life Mission Connection

Send us the names of people who will observe an October, November or December birthday (90, 95, 100 or above) or anniversary (50, 55, 60, 65 or above). Deadline is August 1, 2012.

E-mail: [email protected]. Mail: Passionate Believers, 8100 W. Capitol Dr.,

Milwaukee, WI 53222.

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