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WHAT MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . January 20, 2021
News from Your Synod and Ministry Partners
South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA / 6401 Odana Rd./ Suite 20/ Madison, WI 53719/ (608) 270-0201/ www.scsw-elca.org
Free
to Serve!
CONNECTED, GENEROUS,
FREE to SERVE
By Elizabeth A. Eaton
Dear church,
We have been living with this pandemic for nearly a year.
So much has changed. Bubbles, personal protective
equipment, social distancing and one-way grocery aisles are
part of our lexicon and everyday experience. Who knew, a
year ago, that face masks would be advertised as ideal
stocking stuffers? Our homes have become offices, schools
and gyms. Our commutes have been cut down from hours of
traffic to walking over to the dining room table. I do not look
forward to the weekly summary from my iPhone that tells me
how many hours a day I am staring at a screen.
But the pandemic has also revealed the remarkable resilience
and creativity of this church. Within weeks of shelter-in-place restrictions, thousands of our congregations
converted to online worship, Bible studies and coffee hours. As the economy stuttered and people lost
jobs, you stepped up the work of your food pantries. When kids needed internet access to go to virtual
school, you became neighborhood hot spots.
We became more connected. And the gospel was heard by people who, in the “Before Times,” would
never have come to church. There is a story about the devil bragging to a pastor, saying that the pandemic
was the devil’s tool to close all the churches—to which the pastor replied, “We have opened a church in
every home.”
You have been generous. In March and April we began to hear concern from our bishops about synod
ministries. What would happen to camps and campus ministries? What would happen to congregations
that were anchors in communities and were already stressed before the pandemic? We offered Daily
Bread grants—$500 from the churchwide organization/$500 from the local congregation. We hoped that
50 congregations might be able to raise the matching funds. So far 374 grants have been awarded.
Working with synod bishops we launched the COVID-19 Appeal, which is designed to support key
ministries in synods. You stepped up and in eight months have given over $1.7 million. These grants have
been distributed to ministries in 62 of our 65 synods.
Now it’s 2021. The pandemic is still with us. Yes, there are vaccines and distribution is being sorted out.
There is an end in sight. But now is not the time to let down our guard. We’ll keep washing our hands,
wearing masks and avoiding crowds. We will do this for ourselves and for each other. We will respect the
disease and give thanks to God for the gift of science. And we will continue to worship, pray and serve.
The pandemic has also taught us something about ourselves. Though we are physically distant, we are
connected. Paul put it this way in a letter to the Corinthians: “If one member suffers, all suffer together
with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and
individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:26-27).
It is our joyful duty to care for one another, particularly the most vulnerable. It is an act of faithfulness
when we limit ourselves so that the pandemic is brought to heel. It is an act of love when we restrict our
travel or wear a mask. As Martin Luther pointed out in The Freedom of a Christian, it is the freedom we
have in Christ that makes us servants of all.
There is a model of such self-giving, self-limiting love. “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but
to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the
form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the
form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:4-8). I pray that we all live in such freedom. Peace. Be well. Liz This column originally appeared in Living Lutheran. Reprinted with permission. © ELCA We encourage our readers to watch this update from the ELCA on Our Hopes for the Future Church With Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton & Mikka McCracken, ELCA Executive for Innovation and Director, ELCA Innovation Lab Link to Youtube video: Future Church Update for Rostered Ministers | January 19, 2021 - YouTube Our Vision: A world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation. Priority: 1) A Welcoming church: Engaging new, young and diverse people. 2) A Thriving church: Rooted in tradition and radically relevant. 3) A Connected, Sustainable Church: Raising the bar – together.
Covid-19 Vaccine and What You Need to
Know
Links are provided here to the CDC website as well as
the Wisconsin Department of Health site. You can
find out here how the vaccine is being distributed and
when you will be eligible.
COVID-19: Vaccine | Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC
WORSHIP DURING THE PANDEMIC AND BEYOND
Wondering About Ways to Change Up Online Worship and What Others Are Doing?
Looking to change up your online worship? Connect with other congregations to share ideas!
As well, listening to the gospel from a variety of sources is also a great way to enrich your
devotional life. Deacon Hanrahan on synod staff regularly visits different congregations to listen
to the gospel message from different voices as part of her daily devotions. Music and worship
styles are as varied as one could imagine!
Here is the page on our website that we keep updated with congregations that provide online
worship opportunities. Visit, connect, collaborate and innovate with one another!
South-Central Synod of Wisconsin | Worship (scsw-elca.org)
Sending Service for Rev. Steve Kottke
All Are Invited
Tuesday, January 26 – 2:00 pm Videoconference
We will celebrate Rev. Kottke’s ministry with the South-Central
Synod of Wisconsin with a Sending Service via Zoom on January
26th at 2:00 pm. All Rostered Ministers will receive the Zoom link on
the morning of the 26th.
All laity should email Robyn Zimmerman by Monday, January 25 at
robynz@scsw-elca.org if you would like the link. If you would like
to send a card with a message for Steve you can send it to the synod
office, Rev. Steve Kottke, South-Central Synod of Wisconsin,
6401 Odana Rd., Suite 20, Madison, WI 53719.
As Steve enters retirement, we wish him God’s blessings.
Thank you good and faithful servant!
Conversations with
the Bishop
February 2, 2021
2:00 – 3:00 pm Webinar
Topic:
The Groundhog Day Effect!
As staff plans these conversations, we were struck by the timing of our next conversation
taking place on Groundhog Day. Due to the contemporary movie, “Groundhog Day,” in
which the protagonist, Bill Murray repeatedly relives this day on the calendar, Groundhog
Day has become known in the English lexicon as doing something over and over again.
There is a myriad of emotions attached to living through this pandemic and doing things
“over and over again.” Join us for this conversation as Dr. Dan Feaster sheds light on
what many of us are experiencing and provides helpful insights as we walk together.
All are invited to attend this bi-weekly webinar with Bishop Joy Mortensen-Wiebe.
Special Guest:
Dr. Dan Feaster
Dr. Dan Feaster is the Executive Director of the Samaritan Counseling
Center and Psychotherapist. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
(LCSW) & Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC), and an ordained ELCA
Lutheran minister. Dan graduated from St. Louis University with his
Master of Social Work (MSW) in 1983. He graduated from Lutheran
School of Theology Chicago with his Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral
Counseling in 1997. Dan is a trusted colleague and is also contracted
with the synod’s ASSIST program wherein he provides counseling
services for our rostered ministers and their families.
Laity, please email Robyn Zimmerman for the link: robynz@scsw-elca.org
All rostered ministers will receive the link the morning of the event from our office.
If you miss it, our webinars are recorded and accessible on the synod website:
www.scsw-elca.org/webinars
Join Us for an Open House with the
Racial Equity Team!
Monday, January 25th at 4:30 pm
Join the Synod's Racial Equity Team for discussion
about the year ahead. We'll share the results of
our survey, update you on some resources for
congregational use, and solicit your feedback. We
also hope this will be an opportunity for us to share
ideas and support one another in the important work
of racial justice.
Register in advance for this Zoom meeting
at https://bit.ly/racialequityopenhouse. After
registering, you will receive a confirmation email
containing information about joining the meeting.
“GROWING YOUNG”
A STAR Youth Ministry Initiative Series
(Small Town & Rural Ministry)
REGISTER VIA EMAIL WITH RACHEL MUELLER BY FEB. 1
rmueller.glc@gmail.com
You are invited to a Fuller Youth Institute Growing Young Training
Series, Small Town & Rural edition!
WHAT WE KNOW
● We share a love and calling for the church and young people
● We desire deeper connections and networking with other leaders
in the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin small town & rural
communities and other leaders in our church, as well as a hope for collaboration
● We know that young adults, who were active in their church in high school, are dropping out of
church. We know our congregations are asking, where are the young people?
● We know that past research from the Exemplary Youth Ministry Study and similar studies
shows that some congregations are not shrinking, they are retaining and involving their young
people (ages 15-29) which brings overall vitality to the congregations.
● We hope this series will train leaders to work within the Synodical structures and our
congregations to increase the number of youth and young adults involved in the life and
leadership of the church
● We pray that because of this leadership training we will create pathways for increased
leadership roles for younger people in our church
WHO IS INVITED?
We are inviting youth leaders, parents, grandparents, pastors, and all champions for youth discipleship from
small town & rural congregations within a 30-40 mile radius from Grace Lutheran Church in Dodgeville to
join in this training series. Designated staff and volunteers are most welcome. Pastors, if you do not have
youth ministry staff or volunteers, we strongly encourage you to invite two or more adults of your
congregation who are passionate about youth ministry to attend with you. Let’s turn, “It’s just me,” into “I
have a team!”
We believe this synergy of leaders will create a stimulating and innovative learning environment for
training, discussion, and brainstorming. We can do so much more as a network of people working to develop
and grow the faith of our young ones. Our youth aren’t just our future, they are our today.
COST
We are asking for $30 per participating congregations. You can mail a check payable to Grace Lutheran
Church (1105 N Bequette St, Dodgeville, WI 53533) or go to our Donation tab on our website
(https://www.gracedodgeville.org/) to make a one-time donation.
ABOUT
Leaders: Pastor Mark Williamson and Rachel Mueller of Grace Lutheran Church in Dodgeville. Rachel is the
director of youth ministry at Grace as well as the coordinator for the STAR Youth Ministry Initiative, which is
a pilot project of ELCA Domestic Mission and the South-Central Synod.
This training will run for eight 1.5 hour sessions over zoom. We will create a recurring link and share it with
participants closer to the start of the training series. During each session, we will watch a 25-30 minute
training video, followed by discussion and training worksheet. There will also be supplemental 5 minute
videos showcasing congregations who are successfully Growing Young.
Each session will begin at 6:00pm and end no later than 7:30pm. We will begin Thursday, February 4th, and
conclude on March 25th.
Registration Opens on January 11th and closes February 1st. To register, email Rachel Mueller
(rmueller.glc@gmail.com) with the name of your congregation and number of participants.
Additional Growing Young Resources for leaders, pastors and congregations can be found at
https://churchesgrowingyoung.com
Why Are Women Walking for
Water for Most of their Life?
If you have a world view, you see the tragedy of
women carrying 40 lb. jerry cans for most of
their life just to help their families survive. A
mother literally needs to abandon their families
and their homes just to collect water. ELCA
World Hunger through your generous gifts has
been making a big impact helping people have
access to clean drinking water. Instead of
walking for three hours a day just for water, they
walk across town to public wells. These and
more stories of hope can be heard in the Hunger
and Hope TV Special. This is a fascinating video
that was shown in part during an ELCA World
Hunger fund raiser that exceeded its goal of $250,000. It is hosted by well-known travel host and ELCA
Lutheran, Rick Steves. If you have not yet watched this video, we highly recommend it. You might
schedule an event for a group to watch it simultaneously and then jump on a zoom to talk about what you
learned and how you might be called to action for ELCA World Hunger.
Hunger and Hope: A travel through ELCA World Hunger’s Work with Rick Steves Hunger
and Hope TV Special | Rick Steves' Europe
ELCA World Hunger page: www.elca.org/hunger
To give: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (elca.org)
Remember to Distribute these Useful Resources Before
or After Your Annual Meetings
Annual Meeting Resources can be found on the synod’s
website:
Annual Report – ELCA Cover with Letter from Bishop
Eaton and Litany
2020_Annual Report cover.indd (elca.org)
Bishop Joy Mortensen-Wiebe cover letter
Stories of Faith in Action – SOFIA (livinglutheran.org) –
Beautiful digital magazine
Synod Narrative Spending Plan – How Your Offerings Are Used
2021-2022-SCSW-Narrative-Spending-Plan_vah.pdf (scsw-elca.org)
ELCA YOUTH MINISTRY NETWORK EXTRAVAGANZA 2021
FEBRUARY 4 – FEBRUARY 6
What's the Plan?
The goal for Extravaganza 2021 is to answer 5 questions together:
• How do we help our people navigate the grief of losing "normal?" How do we navigate that
same grief ourselves?
• How do we care for ourselves in the midst of accompanying others in their pain?
• How do we navigate change?
• What should we do next?
• How do we find hope in the midst of chaos?
We know that right now, ministry is hard and that we all wrestle with these questions. Together, with the
help of our speakers and workshop leaders, we are going to try to figure out a road map.
Extravaganza 2021 is going to be an all-online experience. But we are still going to experience spiritual
renewal, continuing education and networking and connection. Extravaganza 2021 will help you get
through the next year, and beyond. Sign yourself, and congregational colleagues, up today!
Extravaganza Speakers:
We've got a great line up of dynamic and wise speakers!
• Rev. Kelly Chatman
• Kelly Sherman-Conroy
• Dr. Scott Comrode
• Rev. Angela T. Khabeb
Learn more about our speakers! ELCA Youth Ministry Network - Speakers and Musicians (elcaymnet.org)
Learn more about the theme: ELCA Youth Ministry Network - Theme (elcaymnet.org)
Extravaganza for $50?
Yes! It's true! This year, given everything that's going on, we wanted to make the Extravaganza as
accessible as possible. You've got two options:
1. Register yourself for $50. That's it. No other hidden costs.
2. For $120, register as many people from your congregation as you want. Colleagues, volunteers,
pastors, church councils, youth committees, you name it. No limit! Bring 'em all!
Register Now! ELCA Youth Ministry Network - Extravaganza 2021 - On-Line! (elcaymnet.org)
Health is on the way: If the holidays or the pandemic have you tipping the scales a little more these days, ELCA-
Primary health plan members can utilize Omada, a free innovative digital program designed to help create modest
changes that promote weight loss and help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Omada’s
specialized care programs offer eligible members individualized support to stay on track and maintain healthy
habits. Learn more about Omada on myPortico.
Omada: https://myportico.porticobenefits.org/benefits/chronic-condition-prevention
Getting started on your taxes early? The Richard R. Hammar Clergy Tax Guide and the Federal
Reporting Guide for Churches are both available on myPortico at no cost to you.
Tax Reporting Resources: https://myportico.porticobenefits.org/retirement-center/tax-planning-resources
Live Well, one small step at a time. The tiniest things can combine to make a significant difference. This
year, Portico invites you to check out 2021 Live Well. We’ll guide you through activities that might seem
simple, but can get you on the path to feeling stronger, balanced, and more resilient. Featured this month:
3 ingredients for a healthy breakfast, tracking how much you spend on food, and how to savor your meals
mindfully. Live Well: https://porticobenefits.org/live-well/
Coffee with your Portico Regional Representative: Want to use the ELCA-
Primary Plan's terrific stress-management and mental health support benefits?
Need to check in on your ELCA Retirement Account? To sign up for a time to chat
with Jennifer over the phone or virtually, you can reach out to directly at
563/650-4122 or JPrinz@PorticoBenefits.org
Keep Everyone Connected in the New Year!
Some of you are starting to send me email addresses as you elect new
leadership at your annual meetings. Thank you! As a reminder to
others that have not yet held your annual meetings, as you elect new
council members, remember to sign them up for What Matters to
help them stay connected to their synod and larger ELCA church!
Send me their email addresses and do let them know you are doing
that or you can direct them to the synod website to sign up: South-
Central Synod of Wisconsin | What Matters / News (scsw-elca.org)
Deacon Vicki Hanrahan
Assistant to the Bishop for Synodical Life
(Editor, What Matters)
vickih@scsw-elca.orgSynod Staff Continue to Work from Home
Synod staff continue to work from home and are available via all the normal digital technologies.
Call the synod office and staff will direct your call to the appropriate person who will call you back.
We do try to be prompt in our return calls. (608) 270-0201 Emails are as follows:
Bishop Joy: joymw@scsw-elca.org Robyn Zimmerman: robynz@scsw-elca.org
Deacon Vicki Hanrahan: vickih@scsw-elca.org Feel free to use my cell #: (608) 469-8073
Rev. Walter Baires: walterb@scsw-elca.org
Rev. Steve Kottke: stevek@scsw-elca.org
Congregational Newsletter Editors - please include this text 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 vickih@scsw-elca.org to
be added to “What Matters.”
Do you have a link to the synod website on your website?
If you do, thank you for your partnership!
Positions inplease
If you don’t, the Synod
do add a link to the synod website to your website: www.scsw-elca.org
We are happy to help promote your positions. Please submit 100 words or less to
Deacon Vicki Hanrahan, Synod Communicator, email: vickih@scsw-elca.org Please notify Deacon Vicki when the
position has been filled so that we can keep this list current. Thanks!
NEW! Business Administrator - Luther Memorial Church, Madison.
Luther Memorial Church is seeking a part-time business administrator. A full position description is available on the
church website: https://www.luthermem.org - to apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Pr. Brad Pohlman
at pohlman@luthermem.org (01/12/21)
New! Facilities Manager - Luther Memorial Church, Madison.
Luther Memorial Church is seeking a part-time facilities manager. A full position description is available on the
church website: https://www.luthermem.org - to apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Pr. Brad Pohlman
at pohlman@luthermem.org (01/2/21)
Organist - Grace Lutheran Church, Cambridge
Grace Lutheran Church is seeking an organist to play weekly at our 9:00 a.m. Sunday worship service. Candidates
may also be considered for a Choir Director position when choral singing is safe again. For more information, or to
submit a resume, e-mail Pastor Jennifer Jelinek at pastorjenniferglc@gmail.com by January 1.
Synod Candidacy Committee is Looking for A New Member
If you are interested in serving in this important role that helps candidates walk through the discernment process for
rostering in the ELCA, please email the Candidacy Chair, Janet Lord, with your name, congregation and a little
information about yourself and your interest. jrj.lord@gmail.com (12/01/20)
Crossways Camping Ministries Has Opportunity for an Internship
Crossways Camping Ministries is seeking an intern for our ELCA camp in Hatley, WI. Please see the link to the
employment section of our website for more information: https://www.crosswayscamps.org/employment
(10/27/20)
Midvale Community Lutheran Church, Madison, To Hire One or Several Part-Time A/V technicians
Technicians needed to operate the camera and sound system in the sanctuary for worship and other events. A full
position description is available on the church website: https://www.midvalelutheran.org/welcome-midvale/work-
midvale - to apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@midvalelutheran.org. The position is open
immediately. (10/13/20)Choir Director – Bethlehem (Portage)
Bethlehem Lutheran Church is looking to fill our part-time Choir Director position. The ideal candidate would be
able to lead the choir, as well as play the organ for worship services, funerals and weddings, and lead the Praise
Band. Previous experience preferred to include the ability to motivate choir members, read music and conduct;
knowledge of liturgical flow and connection to worship; piano experience strongly preferred. Part-time September
through May. Please send resume to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, W8267 Hwy 33 E, Portage. (03/11/20)
Future Synod Gatherings/Meetings/Events:
2021
Jan 21 Beaver Dam Conference Meeting – 10:00 am - online
Jan 25 SCSW Racial Equity Team Open House – 4:30 pm – online
Jan 26 Sending Service for Rev. Steve Kottke of Synod Staff – 2:00 pm online
Jan 28 SCSW Children, Youth & Family Networking – 10:30 am – noon – online
Feb 2 Equipping the Saints Webinar with Bishop Joy & Guest, Dan Feaster – 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Feb 10 South Jefferson/Walworth County Conference Meeting – 10:00 am online
Feb 16 Equipping the Saints Webinar with Bishop Joy - 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Feb 16 North Rock /Specialized Conference Meeting – 12:00 pm - online
March 2 Equipping the Saints Webinar with Bishop Joy
March 16 Equipping the Saints Webinar with Bishop Joy
March 30 Equipping the Saints Webinar with Bishop Joy
April 13 Synod Teams & Partners Lunch ‘n Learn – Noon – 1:00 pm - online
PRAYERS (Note: If you have edits to your information, please email them to Robyn Zimmerman at
robynz@scsw-elca.org as she manages the prayers for What Matters). Thank you.
Synod Campus Ministry Oversight Team (SCMOT)
• Rev. Mark Williamson, Chair, Grace Lutheran
• Curtis Brandt, Cooksville, Evansville
Pastors and Congregations in our Synod:
• Pastor Rob Nelson and Deacon Francine Rask, Pastors, Deacons, and Members of New Heights,
Black Earth, WI
• Pastor Carol Baumgartner, Pastor and Members of New Hope, Blanchardville & Hollandale, WI
Neighboring Synods:
• Bishop Kristen E Kuempel , the Staff, and the congregations of the Northwest Intermountain
Synod
Churchwide Partners:
• The Rev. Danielle K DeNise, Director for Evangelical Mission, North Carolina Synod
• The Rev. John E Wertz, Jr., Director for Evangelical Mission Virginia-Synod
We give thanks at this time for the ministry of those who celebrate their anniversary of Ordination during
this coming week:
o The Rev. Martha Butzier, January 21, 2006, Retired Pastor, Living in Madison, WI
o The Rev. Jennifer Johnson, January 23, 2005, Renewal Pastor serving Bethlehem in Portage, WI
jdjohnson@mwt.net
o The Rev. Cyril Jandrey, January 29, 1956, Retired Pastor, Living in Stoughton, 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: https://scsw-elca.org/transitions/
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, 53719. Please
reference as seen in Synod e-news, “What Matters” in your reprint. Questions can be directed to Deacon Hanrahan
at the synod office: (608) 270-0201 or vickih@scsw-elca.org
Share your news. If you have something you would like considered for publication in What Matters, send it to
Assistant to the Bishop for Synodical Life, Deacon Vicki Hanrahan, at vickih@scsw-elca.org.
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.You can also read
