what matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . january 13, 2020 · 2020-01-20 · if you wish to cut...
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WHAT MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 13, 2020 News from Your Synod and Ministry Partners
Please note: We are currently experiencing a website outage so some of the links to synod resources in this issue may be unreachable for now. We are addressing the problem. Thank you for your patience. If there is time sensitive information that you need, please call us at the synod office at (608) 270-0201 and we will be happy to provide the information to you as needed. Thank you!
Message from Presiding Bishop Eaton About the Iran Crisis
The current crisis between the United States and Iran
is worrisome for many of us in our church, in our nation and in the
world. Our country and Iran need urgently to find ways to resolve
our differences through a de-escalation of the current
crisis, using diplomacy and other peaceful means.
Armed conflict and war are always tragic for those
directly involved and often as well for civilians, who also may suffer
under punitive sanctions. These situations are evidence of broken
relationships.
Our social statement, “For Peace in God’s World,” offers
guidance:
We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America share
with the Church of Jesus Christ in all times and places the
calling to be peacemakers ….
The basis of the Church’s peace-calling is in God’s final
peace, the peace of God’s eternal reign. That calling is to
proclaim the Gospel of God’s final peace and to work
for earthly peace.
For our part, we have a window of opportunity to stop the current
conflict before it worsens. We should appeal now to our elected officials to pursue the path of
dialogue and diplomacy with Iran — for our sake, for the sake of the people of Iran and for the sake
of the world God so loves.
In peace,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/8018
South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA/ 6401 Odana Road / Suite 20 / Madison, WI 53719 / (608)270-0201 / www.scsw-elca.org
LEAD 2020 – GET READY!
Date: Saturday, March 14
Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
(Madison)
We are excited to announce our annual Leadership,
Education and Development Day, “LEAD,” event to
take place on Saturday, March 14. We are grateful to
our host location this year, Good Shepherd Lutheran
Church (Madison campus).
This year, our keynote relates to Stewardship, so send
all your stewardship teams! We will also have 24
workshops on a variety of topics that are relevant to
all!
A mailing is going out tomorrow with the brochure to
all pastors and deacons, congregational presidents,
vice-presidents, treasurers, secretaries, stewardship team leaders, outreach and evangelism leaders
and youth and family leaders. This year’s workshops have special significance for your ministries.
About the Keynote by Eric H.F. Law – “Holy Currencies: Creating
Sustainable and Missional Ministry”
Called a "must read for Christians paralyzed in survival mode," Holy Currencies
teaches you how your ministry can become sustainable, grow, and thrive. Money
is not the only currency your ministry needs. Author Eric H. F. Law shows us how the
six blessings of time and place, gracious leadership, relationship, truth, wellness,
and money flow through successful missional ministries. And they can flow through
your ministry too! Learn how to use these gifts to rejuvenate, recirculate,
regenerate, and expand your ministry through Law's insightful stories, instruction,
processes, exercises, and activities. Tools in the book help evaluate how your
church uses each gift and enables church members to measure and value the six blessings. Holy Currencies
will push you to think beyond your church's current boundaries and create rich, sustainable missional ministries.
WHAT HAPPENS AT LEAD?
* Worship – We will start with worship
* 24 workshops - you can attend up to 3
* Networking and Displays – Ample time for connecting with people from other congregations is
provided. Attendees reflect that talking to people from other congregations is one of the best
things about LEAD!
* Displayers from Synod and Lutheran Affiliated Organizations will be there to share opportunities for
shared ministry.
* A box lunch is provided to all paid attendees. Eat lunch with others to network or bring your lunch into
a workshop.
* Free childcare for all ages and free lunch for children ages 3 / Fee: $25 before 2/20 $30 after 2/20
Online
Registration
Opens
January 20
Online Registration Opens Monday, January 20 – https://bit.ly/SCSWLEAD2020
WELCA's South Central Wisconsin Synodical Women's Organization
was saddened to learn of the death of fellow SWO board member,
Sheryl Phillipson. She died on Friday, January 10, 2020, from an
accident at home.
The funeral will be at Trinity English Lutheran Church, 314 Barrie
Street, Ft. Atkinson, WI, on Tuesday, January 21, at 11 am. Visitation,
at the church, begins at 9:30 am.
More details can be found in her
obituary: ttps://www.schmidtandbartelt.com/obituaries/detail.aspx?id=13368 Sheryl was elected to the
synodical board at WELCA's Biennial Convention last September. She previously had served on the Elkhorn
Conference Board for Women of the ELCA. Sheryl was also involved in the Join the Movement (anti-
trafficking) cause.
Please hold Sheryl’s family in your prayers. May the promise of the resurrection bring them peace.
Do Your Youth Want to Meet Youth From Other Congregations? This event is for them!
Rise Up Night - January 19th /
5-7pm / at St. Luke's in Middleton
All high school youth in our synod are
invited with their youth leaders to our
monthly Rise Up Night. This is travelling youth
group and we meet the 3rd Sunday of
every month. Different churches in our
synod host each month and plan out a little
bit of faith, food and fun. Come check it
out with your youth this month at St. Luke's in
Middleton. RSVP to Jay Kiel by email at:
[email protected] or phone or text:
(616-581-4425)
SCSW Children, Youth & Family
Ministry Network Gathering
When: Thursday January 23rd, 10:30
am – 12noon
Where: Upper House, 365 East
Campus Mall, Suite 200, Madison
Who: All in our synod who work in
children, youth, family, cross+gen,
and camp ministries.
Why: This is a time to share ideas, as well as our ups and downs of ministry with people who
have similar experiences. We also spend time to pray with and for one another.
Save the Date! March 7, 2020
We will having a Peer Ministry - Youth
Lead Event for youth in our synod.
Hosted by St. Luke's in Middleton.
Discover the Thrills the Chills and the
Skills when youth are equipped,
empowered and allowed to lead.
For more information check out the
Peer Ministry
link https://peerministry.org/pml-
conference/
YOUR ANNUAL MEETINGS & SYNOD ASSEMBLY 4 THINGS TO CONSIDER:
#1 ELECTING VOTING MEMBERS FOR SYNOD ASSEMBLY
Remember to include in your annual meeting agenda the election of your
voting members for Synod Assembly, May 1 & 2, 2020. Don’t forget to
include extra for youth & Young adults. If you have any questions about who
you can send, this chart of formulas for determining the number of voting
members in which to send to Synod Assembly may be helpful:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER AS A VOTING MEMBER?
Congregations:
All congregations use the following formula to determine the number of lay
(non-rostered) voting members they are allowed to register for the assembly.
The formula has been created to meet the constitutional expectation that
60% of the voting membership of the assembly be composed of lay persons,
and to achieve the goal of an equal balance of men and women.
Up to 1000 baptized members = 2 voting members (one male/one
female)
1001 - 2000 baptized members = 3 voting members (one male/one
female/one either)
2001 - 3000 baptized members = 4 voting members (two male/two
female)
3001 - 4000 baptized members = 5 voting members (two male/two female/one either)
4001 - 5000 baptized members = 6 voting members (three male/three female)
5001 - 6000 baptized members = 7 voting members (three male/three female/one either)
6001 - 7000 baptized members = 8 voting members (four male/four female)
Youth and Young Adult Voting Members:
In addition to the aforementioned allotment of voting members, in June of 2010 the Synod Council passed a
continuing resolution allowing congregations to register additional Youth and Young Adult Lay Voting
Members. To be eligible for a youth or young adult voting member registration, the individual shall not have
obtained the age of 30 years old at the time of registration.
Up to 175 baptized members = 1 youth or young adult voting member of either gender
176 or more baptized members = 2 youth or young adult voting members (one male/one
female)
Synodically Authorized Worshiping Communities:
A Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community may register one lay voting member of either gender.
Rostered Ministers:
Clergy – All clergy under call in this synod are voting members of the synod assembly. This includes those
under call to specialized ministry and under synod call. All clergy under call in the synod are expected to
register for and attend the assembly. Each registered clergy has one vote at the assembly, even if they are
serving more than one congregation or ministry site.
Deacons – All Deacons under call in this synod are voting members of the synod assembly and are expected
to register for and attend the assembly. Each rostered lay leader has one vote at the assembly even if they
are serving more than one congregation or ministry site.
Retired Rostered Ministers:
Retired Rostered Ministers may elect up to 10% of their number to be registered as voting members of the
assembly.
#2 AGENDA FOR SYNOD ASSEMBLY (Abbreviated)
As you are preparing to invite and elect voting members for the synod assembly at your annual
meetings, this information will be helpful to know:
Location: Kalahari Hotel & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells – Free waterpark passes are included with hotel
reservations if folks want to bring family members to enjoy the park while you are in sessions. (One ea. per
guest staying in guest rooms) (Sorry, children under 16 can not be unattended).
Friday, May 1
12:30 – 2:00 – Luncheon for Anniversary Honorees
3:00 – 4:00 – Worship with Eucharist
4:00 – 5:30 – Opening of Assembly
5:30 – 6:00 - Reception & Hotel Check In
6:30 – 8:00 - Banquet & Introduction of Nominees
Saturday, May 2
7:30 – 8:30 Breakfast
8:30 – 3:30 Plenary, Meet & Greets with Nominees, Displays & Lunch
11:00 am (Hotel Check out)
3:30 Closing
#3 Include in your Annual Reports the Message from Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
We suggest that you wrap your annual reports in a beautiful ELCA-provided cover that
includes an inspiring message from Presiding Bishop Eaton and litany. The covers are
FREE, you pay only shipping. There will not be a message from the interim bishop as he
encourages you to use the message from Presiding Bishop Eaton.
Order these covers from the ELCA through their website:
https://elca.org/Resources/Stewardship
If you wish to cut and paste Bishop Eaton’s message into your layout of your
annual report, see the next page of this issue of What Matters.
#4 Annual Meeting Visitor From Synod Leadership Team
If you would like someone from the Synod to bring a message from the synod to your annual
meeting, please call the synod office at 608/270-0201 with your date and time and average
attendance. We will do our best to schedule someone from our leadership team. As many annual
meetings are held on the same date, this offering is available; however not guaranteed.
OTHER AVAILABLE RESOURCES FOR YOUR ANNUAL MEETINGS:
Annual meetings are a great time to share stories of how we are walking
together to be the heart and hands of Jesus. The synod has developed a
narrative spending plan that tells stories of how your mission support is used.
The narrative spending plan was emailed out to all pastors and deacons
before Christmas and a hard copy was mailed last week to all rostered, all
congregational presidents and all synod committee chairpersons. Please
feel free to reprint and share in any way, the information found in this piece.
And feel free to use it as a model for your congregation’s narrative
spending plan!
Where Does My Offering Go?
Ever wonder where your generous gift goes that you put into the
offering plate?
This communication piece explains how your offering supports the
ministries of the ELCA and can be downloaded or ordered from the
ELCA.
https://www.elca.org/Resources/Stewardship
This is a beautifully produced ELCA resource that can be posted in your congregation and
used for your annual meetings as well.
For Annual Reports: A message from
ELCA Presiding Bishop
Elizabeth Eaton
“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything
old has
passed away; see, everything has become new!” — 2
Corinthians 5:17
Dear friends in Christ,
Stepping out in faith can be difficult. Martin Luther did it in
1517. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America did it at
the 2019 Churchwide Assembly. This church can be bold
and daring because of our scriptural and Lutheran
confessional understandings. Is it easy?
No. Do we always get it right? Probably not. Where we are in
error, may God correct us.
The cross is our center. Faith, grace and Scripture alone are
our guides. We are church. We are compelled by the gospel
and our understanding that in Christ we have been set free
to love and serve the neighbor. This loving and serving of our neighbor alongside courageous and faithful
leaders is what offers hope to congregations.
Over the past 18 months we have made significant strides in our work on congregational vitality. This church
has multiplied its efforts and leveraged its resources to enhance vitality in congregations. Our vision continues
to evolve around strengthening our relationships with God, each other and the neighbors we serve. In this way
we are addressing both local and global issues by being present in our own community and proactive with
issues in the broader church.
This presence is made possible in significant ways through your giving of time, talents and financial resources to
our work together. The success of our recent campaign, Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the
ELCA, reflects the increasing
support for existing and new ministries that serve our communities here at home and others around the globe.
Through regular, special and legacy gifts, $250 million was given to support God’s work. Through the spiritual
practice of giving, we both acknowledge receiving God’s gifts and share in God’s generosity by passing on a
portion to others. Together we are doing God’s work in ways that we could not do otherwise.
As your congregation plans work for the coming year, I hope you will be both bold and daring, remembering
God provides and desires abundant life for all. May you continue supporting God’s work together with a spirit
of solidarity, collaboration and generosity. We are all partners in the gospel, believing in Jesus Christ crucified
and risen for the life of the world.
Stepping out in faith together,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Date: Thursday, January 23
Place: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church – 605 Spruce Street, Madison
Host: Pastor Lisa Nelson
Please invite rostered women in your area that are new to the synod. Also, your RSVP to Pastor Julie
Krahn would be helpful so plans can be made accordingly. 608.577.9608 (cell) or
Upcoming gathering dates include April 23, July 23, and October 22, from 9-11. As always, Julie is
looking for folks who are willing to host.
Special Organ Concert at Midvale Lutheran Church – Sunday, January 26 at 3:00 pm
A special Organ Concert is being held at Midvale
Community Lutheran Church on Sunday, January 26th at
3:00pm to celebrate the renewal and refurbishing of its
organ. The concert will feature Ted Reinke, well-known
organist in the Madison area who served as organist at
Midvale between 1999 and 2012. Ted will be playing the
newly upgraded Schlicker organ and the program will
include pieces with the Chancel Choir, pianists Nancy Linder
and Michael Keller, violinist Tyrone Grieve, and violists Eleanor
and Aaron Mertzenich. The audience will be invited to sing
along for several hymns.
The concert will also celebrate the renovation of the south wall of the sanctuary where formerly hidden organ
pipes are now prominently displayed. The newly refinished pipes, now in gleaming silver, are mounted on a
new wooden lintel and placed in front of new acoustical cloth.
The 3:00pm concert will be followed by a reception. Members of the South-Central Synod are invited to
celebrate with us. Address: 4329 Tokay Boulevard, Madison
Bishop’s Call Committee Formed
On Saturday, January 11, the Synod Council appointed
the members of the Bishop’s Call Committee. The
Executive Committee had a large pool of recommended
committee members and we are grateful to everyone
who was willing to serve.
(Front row left to right: Jerry Tews, Helen Sheahan/ Back row, left to right: Don Glanzer, Dan Ruge, Holly
Slater, Emily Tveite, Cindy Wuttke, Peter Antonie, Rich Dhyanchand)
This is your Bishop Call Committee:
Rev. Holly Slater / St. Paul’s Liberty, Deerfield
Rev. Don Glanzer / St. Peter’s LC, Loganville
Rev. Jerry Tews (Retired) / Member of St. John’s Evansville
Rev. Emily Tveite /Lutheran Campus Ministry
Mr. Peter Antonie / Member of Vermont LC, Black Earth
Dr. Rich Dhyanchand / Member of Christ LC, Lancaster
Ms. Helen Sheahan/ Member of Good Shepherd, Madison/Verona
Ms. Cindy Wuttke / Member of Christ Ev.L.C., Sharon
Mr. Dan Ruge / Member of Luther Memorial, Madison
DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE ON SYNOD WEBSITE
These forms can be found on the Bishop Election page of our synod website. Both are fillable forms
that can be submitted electronically. You may also print them out and fill them out by hand.
1. The first, “Initial Consideration of Call as Bishop” is intended for initial
discernment of people who have been sought out as possible nominees
for the office. It contains the constitutional language setting forth the
responsibilities of the bishop, and an affirmation of openness that is to
be signed by both the person under consideration and a colleague with
whom she/he has been in discernment. Should the person be put
forward by a Conference Nominating Caucus, the Conference Dean
will also sign and forward it to the Bishop Call Committee.
The second is the “Bishop Candidacy Profile.” Rostered leaders will
recognize it as similar to the Rostered Leader Profile, filled out as pastors
and deacons are open to a new call. This form contains both
information that is intended only for the use of the Bishop Call
Committee and information that would be shared with the entire synod
if the candidate is one of the 4-6 candidates the Bishop Call Committee
sets before the Synod Assembly.
Link to Bishop Election Page Where Forms Can Be Found:
https://scsw-elca.org/2020bishopelection/
YOU ARE INVITED TO TOWN HALL MEETINGS - Your Voice Matters!
We encourage broad participation in Town Hall
Meetings that will take place across our synod to
prepare for the election of a new bishop. Attend the
Town Hall Meeting in your conference. We will have
conversations around two questions:
1) What are the strengths and challenges of this
synod and what makes this synod unique, what is it
facing at this moment in history and from that
snapshot . . .
2) What skills and characteristics would serve in the
person of the next bishop?
A team will condense those comments into a profile
of the synod and a profile of the bishop we seek.
FORUM DATES AND LOCATIONS
Please try to attend the forum in your conference. Forums are 90 minutes in length
Click on the link below to find which conference your congregation is in.
https://scsw-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-Synod-Conference-Group.pdf
We have had good attendance and excellent conversations at these forums.
Come and let your voice be heard!
REMAINING FORUMS
Saturday, January 18 – 10:00 am / Location: St. James Lutheran, 427 S. Main Street, Verona, WI
Conference: Central/West Madison/West Dane
Sunday, January 19 – 2:00 pm / Location: Faith Lutheran, 2116 Mineral Point Ave, Janesville, WI
S. Jefferson/Walworth/N. Rock/S. Rock
Saturday, February 1 – 10:00 am / Location: Grace Lutheran, 1105 N. Bequette Street, Dodgeville, WI
Conference: Iowa/Richland/Grant/W. Green/Lafayette
Sunday, February 9 – 2:00 pm / Location: St. John’s Lutheran, 100 Oak Street, Prairie du Sac, WI
Conference: Sauk/Columbia
PASSED FORUMS
Sunday, January 5 – 2:00 pm / Location: Faith Lutheran Church, 120 Faith Drive, Columbus, WI
Conference: NE Dane/N. Madison Conference
Sunday, January 12 – 2:00 pm / Location: Hope Lutheran, 3702 County Rd AB, McFarland, WI
Conference: Southeast Dane/East Madison
SCHEDULE OF NOMINATING CAUCUSES
Thank you to our conference deans for working out this schedule of nominating caucuses.
Conferences will convene on these dates to discuss possible nominees for Bishop. Each
congregation is invited to send its rostered ministers and twice the number of allotted lay
voting members to a nominating caucus.
Conference Date and Time Place
East Madison Saturday, Feb. 22, 9:00 a.m. Messiah, Madison
N-NE Dane, N Madison Sunday, Feb 23, 1:00 p.m. Christ, DeForest
Richland/Iowa/Grant Sunday, Feb. 23, 1:00 p.m. Christ, Spring Green
Central/West Madison Sunday, Feb. 23, 2:00 p.m. Advent, Madison
South Rock Sunday, Feb. 23, 2:00 p.m. St. Paul, Beloit
North Rock Sunday, Feb. 23, 2:00 p.m. Hope, Milton
Beaver Dam Sunday, Feb. 23, 200 p.m. St. Johns, Beaver Dam
Southeast Dane Sunday, Feb. 23, 200 p.m. Christ, Stoughton
West Dane Sunday, Feb. 23, 3:00 p.m. ELC, Mt. Horeb
Walworth Sunday, March 1, 2:00 p.m. Immanuel, Lake Geneva
W. Green/Grant/Lafayette Sunday, March 1, 2:00 p.m. First English, Platteville
Sauk/Columbia Sunday, March 8, 2:00 p.m. St. John’s, Prairie du Sac
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bishop Election Process
Why are we making changes to the process of electing a bishop? It’s not the first time. For the first several
elections, there was no pre-work at all, only a nominating ballot at the assembly. Later we followed what
several other synods had done, which was to identify nominees beforehand and hold forums for those willing
to be in the election. We continue to seek improvement.
Are the changes at this time because of our track record? Yes and no. Many synods tinker with changes to
the process. In our case, we recognize that only two of our six bishops have left office at the conclusion of a
term. There’s no one single reason, but it does suggest we could make changes that would allow for more
thought and consideration to candidates prior to the election.
What are the key differences being introduced this year? There are several:
1. Town Hall meetings will draw on broad input from around the synod to describe the synod and what we
need in the person elected to be the bishop. We’ll develop a “bishop profile,” that should guide our
thinking about who best could serve.
2. Conferences will be asked to convene and discuss possible nominees. Names may still be put forward by
individual persons or congregations but would need to be supported by a conference to be sent on
further into the process.
3. A Bishop Call Committee will do the work similar to a Congregational Call Committee – gather personal
and background information, do interviews, and pass on to the synod as a whole 4-6 names of persons
they consider the best fit for the synod’s needs. By the time nominees are presented to the synod
assembly, there will have been thorough vetting and support.
Who will be on the Bishop Call Committee? The members of this committee will be appointed by the Synod
Council in January. It will be separate from the existing Bishop Election Task Force, which deals only with the
process. Deans are invited to suggest persons to serve by December 10.
Isn’t every synod supposed to use an “ecclesiastical ballot?” The model constitution for synods describes an
election process via the “ecclesiastical ballot,” which means the first ballot is a nominating ballot. But it is not a
required provision, and the constitution of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin states “The Synod Council shall
be responsible for determining the process to be used in the election of a bishop.” (S9.04.01)
Have other synods used a process like this? Yes. To cite some neighbors: The La Crosse Area Synod begins the
process by involving assembly voting members at a “conference nominating caucus,” that raises up
nominees; no further nominations are allowed at the Synod Assembly. Northeast Iowa elected its current
bishop using a Synod Call Committee that gathered nominations, did work similar to that which we propose,
and forwarded five names to their assembly. In recent elections, both Northwest Washington and Eastern
Washington-Idaho synods had a pre-nomination process and no floor nominations. These are only a few
examples.
Doesn’t this call for much more involvement by people throughout the synod? Yes. Especially if you are a
rostered leader or a lay member identified as a voting member of the synod assembly. You should plan on
participating in (a) a Town Hall meeting; (b) a Conference Nominating Caucus; (c) two synod assemblies (the
regular May 1-2 Assembly, and the one-day June 20 election assembly); and (d) a forum in your area to
become familiar with nominees.
LINKS TO MATERIALS TO DISTRIBUTE IN YOUR CONGREGATIONS
Summary of Proposed Bishop Election Process & Timeline: https://scsw-elca.org/wp-
content/uploads/2019/11/Bishop-Election-Process-and-Timeline-as-Approved.pdf
Town Hall Forums Bulletin Insert B/W: https://scsw-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Bishop-Election-
Forums-Revised.pdf
Town Hall Forums Bulletin Insert Color: https://scsw-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Bishop-Election-
Forums-Color-Revised.pdf
SYNOD’S SPEAKERS BUREAU: A MINISTRY OF EQUIPPING OUR
CONGREGATIONS FOR MINISTRY
The Speaker’s Bureau is a resource that you can use to bring high
quality educational programming into your congregation on topics
that are of great importance to our synod’s ministries. These folks
have graciously offered to serve you in this way, bringing their
expertise to your settings. We are church together for the sake of
the world!
Don’t be shy. They have been blessing our congregations with
their presence and information and are looking forward
to hearing from you!
https://scsw-elca.org/resources/speakers-bureau/
Come to Be Fed – Holy Communion Worship
at the Synod Office – All Are Welcome!
Thursdays - 12:00 Noon with Brown Bag Lunch at 12:30
Join the synod staff and others on Thursdays for Worship with Holy Communion. Thank you to Rev. George
Carlson (former SCSW Bishop) for your inspired message and invitation to consider what our own baptism
means to our call to follow Jesus! We are gratefully led by a different preacher each week from our synod
and then gather at 12:30 for brown bag lunch immediately after worship. It’s always a wonderful informal and
intimate gathering of a few or many! Come take sabbath time with us and be sent forth as witnesses to Jesus’
resurrection, showing glory to all the world in Jesus’ name. You will be glad you did!
If you are willing to volunteer your time to lead worship, we would love to have pastors, deacons or interns
lead us. Worship is a simple service consisting typically of a gathering song, word, meal, prayers and sending
song. Contact Robyn Zimmerman at [email protected] if you would like to share your time and talent this
way.
News from Portico Benefit Services
New in 2020 for the ELCA-Primary Health Plan
if you have ELCA-Primary health benefits, a suite of new online offerings provides convenient access
to care at your fingertips, whether on the go, in your office, or and in the privacy of your own home.
Find support to strengthen your emotional resilience, learn new skills, and save on costs:
o Being is a holistic, faith-based, educational platform offering expert-led videos on a wide
range of well-being skills — such as longevity, purpose, resiliency, and more.
o Learn to Live is a self-directed online mental health support program designed to help
participants manage stress, depression, social anxiety, insomnia, and substance use.
o Text-Based Primary Care is available through a convenient app. 98point6 connects you
24/7 with U.S.-based, board-certified doctors. Receive on-demand consultation,
diagnosis, and a treatment plan for $5 or less. Doctors can also prescribe medication
(except controlled substances) and order lab tests.
Earning Wellness Dollars in 2020:
Members with ELCA-Primary health benefits can earn up to $200 wellness dollars to help pay for
eligible out-of-pocket expenses. Earn $100 wellness dollars each when you complete a physical
health assessment or biometric screening, and when you have a conversation with a Portico
Financial Planner. If your spouse is covered by ELCA-Primary benefits they can earn $200 as well. Sign
in to myPortico to learn more.
Videos for Treasurers and Church/Financial Administrators:
Looking to learn about Portico Benefit Services and the practicalities of managing the benefits for
pastors and church employees? Your congregation must have at least one registered EmployerLink
user to pay your bill and manage sponsored employees’ benefits. Note: it’s important for the people
who play a part in managing your employees’ benefits to be registered on EmployerLink, and for
those no longer involved to have their accounts deactivated.
Invite your treasurer or financial administrator to view these educational videos:
Managing Benefits 101 (may be seen without signing in to EmployerLink)
Employer Link Tour
Understanding Your Bill
Deadline for Applications for the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission
(YAGM) is January 15. Have You Invited a Young Adult to this Amazing
Journey to go abroad?
If you know young adults age 21 to 29, this is the time to reach out.
Encourage them to apply for YAGM by the priority deadline of Jan. 15,
2020. Talk to them personally about what this opportunity will mean for
their faith, identity, career and understanding of God’s work in the world. You can also print
out this poster to display in your congregation or ministry space.
Through YAGM, young adults will learn what it means to serve in a spirit of accompaniment
as they walk alongside global church companions. They’ll become immersed in a new
community and form deep relationships. And they’ll confront issues of wealth and poverty,
racial privilege, gender privilege, economic disparity and globalization, all through the lens
of faith. Learn more at ELCA.org/YAGM.
Volunteers will be placed in one of ten country programs:
• Argentina and Uruguay
• Australia
• Central Europe
• Jerusalem and the West Bank
• Madagascar
• Mexico
• Nepal
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• United Kingdom
Young adults will find relevant opportunities for professional experience, including:
Health and human rights: health care, HIV and AIDS, homelessness, immigration and
refugees
Education: fine arts, youth education, childhood education, working with people with
disabilities or who are differently abled
Environmental justice: agriculture and farming, development, environment
Professional support: office work, communication, technology, finance
Congregational ministry: children’s ministry, Christian education, youth ministry,
congregational ministry, camp ministry
Around the world, host families, churches, workplaces and communities are ready to
welcome YAGM volunteers.
Don’t wait — spread the word now! The priority deadline is Jan. 15, 2020. Applications will be
open until Feb. 15, 2020.
St. Olaf Choir to Perform – January 29 – 8 pm
Luther Memorial
1021 University Avenue, Madison
Join the St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Anton Armstrong, for a
performance at Luther Memorial Church on January 29 at 8 p.m.
The St. Olaf Choir, with 75 mixed voices, is one of the premier a
cappella choirs in the United States, and for more than a century
has set the standard of choral excellence and remained at the
forefront of choral artistry.
The 2020 St. Olaf Choir tour marks the 100th anniversary of the
choir's first East Coast tour in 1920 (which included their first
performance at Carnegie Hall), along with Dr.
Armstrong's 30th anniversary of leading the ensemble. During this
past century, touring has played an important role in the St. Olaf
Choir sharing its artistry and beauty of sound with audiences
around the world. This year, the St. Olaf Choir has adjusted its
ticket pricing structure to promote greater accessibility, including
$10 tickets for all students. $30 adults, $3 discount by entering
promo code CLASSIC at checkout.
Tickets are available at stolaf.edu/tickets and
By calling: 1-800-363-5487.
Click here for a poster to print and post in your settings:
https://wp.stolaf.edu/choir/files/2019/12/2020-Choir-Tour-Poster-
Madison.pdf
Congregational Newsletter Editors - please include this in your
newsletters!
WHAT MATTERS - Stay Connected To Synod Happenings,
News, & Events! Grow in your faith and leadership! Stay connected to exciting events
and stories of our faith in action in our synod! To sign up for synod news,
please email Assistant to the Bishop for Synodical Life, Deacon Vicki
Hanrahan at
[email protected] to be added to “What Matters.”
Positions in the Synod We are happy to help promote your positions. Please submit 100 words or less to Deacon Vicki Hanrahan,
Synod Communicator, email: [email protected] Please notify Vicki when the position has been filled so
that we can keep this list current. Thanks!
Youth and Family Ministry -First English Lutheran Church (Whitewater)
Seeks 15-17 hours/week Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator to provide programming for youth in our
Sunday School, youth group (grades 7-12), and families in our congregation. The successful applicant will
have strong managerial and communication skills, be a caring relationship builder, and have a heart for
sharing God’s love and their Christian faith. Submit cover letter, resume, references and “Application for
Employment” form electronically to Barbara Penington at [email protected] by December 23. Use
the church website to locate the Application for Employment form (under Form section) and a list of
expectations for the position (under Education & Youth section). (12/03/19)
Custodial Position – St. Luke’s (Middleton)
St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Middleton has a position available for a part-time custodian (15 hrs./week).
Holidays required. Most hours worked during the week, with filling in on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesday
evenings as needed. Duties include vacuuming, dusting, room setup, coffee hour help, and more. If
interested, please contact: Drew Hathaway, Property Manager, at [email protected]. (11/12/19)
Licensed Psychotherapist – Samaritan Counseling Center (Madison)
The Samaritan Counseling Center of Southern Wisconsin is expanding our services and seeking a full time
licensed psychotherapist. For more information visit our website at: www.samaritancounselingcenterwi.org (11/12/19)
Weekend Maintenance Position Open - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Madison and Verona
Good Shepherd is looking for a person to help clean up our two campuses following worship on Sunday
morning from noon-6 p.m. on Sundays. We are looking for a conscientious, hardworking individual with a good
driving record, since you will need to drive between the two campuses. Please send applications to Director of
Administration Rick Blum at [email protected] or call (608) 640-4902. (10/01/19)
Full-Time Chaplain - Skaalen Retirement Services - Stoughton, WI
Skaalen Retirement Services is a Lutheran retirement community that has been providing care and support of
seniors in need since 1900. Skaalen Retirement Services is seeking a full-time Chaplain to provide spiritual care
to by promoting a spiritual environment within the campus by leading worship services, providing prayer
services, conducting Bible study, leading religious discussions, providing religious education and hymn sings
with residents and patients in all levels of care. The successful candidate will need to be ordained in the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Ecclesiastical Specialized Care Endorsement status from the ELCA,
and is Board Certified Chaplain status from the Association of Professional Chaplains. (09/05/19)
Part-Time Chaplain – Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge Campus, Madison
Part time position for ordained or those with CPE or visitation experience to help cover on call duties, and
potentially be on campus when Chaplain Shannon is not on campus. Candidate would need to be available
on Sundays to preach in chapel on days when Chaplain is away on a Sunday. Anyone interested in this
opportunity to serve can contact the Oakwood HR department at 608-230-4530, or Chaplain Wayne Shannon,
at 608-230-4561. (07/02/19)
Music Director - St. John’s, Madison
Vibrant, urban congregation with multiple instrumental groups seeks 15 to 20 hour a week music director to
nurture the gifts and skills of members within the congregation and connect with other musicians in the
broader community. For a full position description and application instructions, visit St. John’s website:
https://www.stjohnsmadison.org/employment-opportunities (06/25/19)
Part-Time Office Assistant, St. James Lutheran Church, Verona
This position is approximately 16-20 hours a week. Please send all inquiries to Michelle
at [email protected] Please note, email inquiries only. (05/28/19)
Wisconsin Council of Churches Employment Opportunities
https://www.wichurches.org/resources/employment-opportunities/
At-A-Glance Future Synod Events:
December 24 – January 1 – Synod Office Closed for Christmas & New Year’s
2020 DATES:
January 18, 2020 – Town Hall Meeting - St. James (Verona) (10 am)
January 19, 2020 – Town Hall Meeting Meeting – Faith Lutheran (Janesville) (2 pm)
February 1, 2020 – Town Hall Meeting – Grace Lutheran (Dodgeville) (10 am)
February 9, 2020 – Town Hall Meeting – St. John’s (Prairie du Sac) (2 pm)
March 14, 2020 – LEAD
March 19, 2020 – Retired Pastor’s Gathering – St. John’s (Oregon)
May 1 & 2 (Friday & Saturday) SYNOD ASSEMBLY – Kalahari Resort & Convention Center (Wisconsin Dells)
May 21, 2020 – Retired Pastor’s Gathering – Oakwood Village (Prairie Ridge)
June 20 – Special Meeting of the Synod Assembly to Elect a Bishop – Good Shepherd (Verona Campus)
Registration is open for the Women of the
ELCA Triennial Gathering 2020 in Phoenix, AZ
As a note ALL women of the Synod ARE Women of the ELCA.
Registration for the Triennial Gathering 2020 in
Phoenix, Ariz., July 16-19, is open. You can register
online or download a registration form and mail it.
Early-bird registration is $325 through January 6,
2020. After that, registration is $375. Day registration
is $200.
We can’t wait to see you! Visit welcatg.org to register and learn more.
Please contact Donna Peterson 608-935-9023 (leave a message if I am not available) or
[email protected] if you would like to attend, curious to learn more, need help with registration,
want to know who else in the Synod will be attending.
This is the theme of the Gathering. Attend and meet some new sisters in Christ.
Prayers
Of sympathy for the WELCA team, and the family of Sheryl Phillipson, Board Member of the South-Central
Synodical Women’s Organization who died in an accident in her home this weekend. (See page 3).
Racial Equity Ministry Team:
• Rev. Brenda Lovick, East Koshkonong, Cambridge, WI
• Timm Mumm, Luther Memorial, Delavan, WI
Synod Seminary Student:
• Sarah Key, Sarah is a Collaborative Learning Student attending Wartburg Seminary to become a
Pastor.
Pastors and Congregations in our Synod:
• Lily Brellenthin, Intern, and Members of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Walworth, WI
• Rev. Matthew Poock, Pastor and members of St. John‘s Lutheran Church Evansville, WI
Neighboring Synods:
• Bishop Matthew Riegel and the congregations of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod
Churchwide Partners:
• Deacon Jennifer Baker-Trinity, Program Director Resource Development, Office of the Presiding Bishop
at the ELCA Lutheran Center, Chicago, IL
• Ms. BethAnn Lynch, Coordinator for Worship and Liturgical Resources, Office of the Presiding Bishop at
the ELCA Lutheran Center, Chicago, IL
We give thanks at this time for the ministry of those who celebrate their anniversary of Ordination during this
coming week:
Rev. Michelle Elfers, January 15, 2006, Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church, Richland Center, WI
Rev. Craig Simenson, January 17, 2015, On Leave from Call - [email protected]
Deacon Phyllis Wiederhoeft, January 19, 1990, Retired living in Verona, WI [email protected]
Rev. Martha Butzier, January 21, 2006, Interim Pastor at Lake Edge Lutheran Church, Madison, WI
May these leaders continue to be blessed for service.
Updates on Congregations in the Call Process and Rostered Leader Updates
Call process and roster changes are updated on the synod website monthly. Please
keep these congregations and rostered leaders in your prayers.
Link: http://scsw-elca.org/resources/callprocess/
Like Us on Facebook and you’ll share in awesome ministry by congregations in
your synod, share great ideas and be inspired with selected scripture from
your synod staff. South-Central Synod of Wisconsin
Remember, when you see this symbol, this is a news item that should be put in your congregational
newsletters! Thanks for your partnership.
Congregations can feel free to reprint these pages for your congregational use. Reprint permission provided
by: South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA – 6401 Odana Road, Suite 20, Madison, WI 53719. Please
reference as seen in Synod e-news, “What Matters” in your reprint. Questions can be directed to Deacon Vicki
Hanrahan at the synod office: (608) 270-0201.
Share your news. If you have something you would like considered for publication in What Matters, send it to
Communications & Event Manager, Deacon Vicki Hanrahan, at [email protected].
Visit our website: www.scsw-elca.org
Following Jesus, who commanded his followers, ‘Just as I have loved you, you also should love one
another,’ and believing that all persons are created in the image of God, the South-Central Synod
of Wisconsin, ELCA, strives to be fully inclusive for all. This synod welcomes people of every race,
background, age, political affiliation, economic and social status, sexual orientation, gender
identity and expression, and mental and physical ability, while striving to enable all people to
participate fully in the life and work of the church and its expressions.