Issue I 2003

A newsletter for friends of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan

C O N N E C T I O N Sid you know you might be able to donate more? It’s true!

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will contribute 50 cents for

every dollar a member donates to Lutheran Social Services (LSS)

of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. If you are a Thrivent member

(policyholder or owner of another financial product), you are

eligible to enroll in the

GivingPlus Program. This

program enhances the

ministries of eligible

Lutheran institutions

and organizations by

encouraging financial

support from Thrivent

Financial members.

How does GivingPlus

work? Thrivent Financial

members may donate up to

two gifts per calendar year,

ranging anywhere between

$50 - $400 per gift. Thrivent Financial associate members (those

who do not own a financial product) may give a gift between

$50 - $100 once each calendar year. Thrivent will then donate an

additional one-half of your total donation. It’s that easy! This is a

great opportunity to increase your support—because of your

membership in Thrivent

Financial for Lutherans.

NON PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #2484

MILWAUKEE, WI

Did You Know?

D

In this issue

Cover: Meghan’s Story

Also: LSS Wish List

Adoptive Families Needed

The Value of Partnerships

And more...

647 W. Virginia Street, Suite 300, Milwaukee, WI 53204

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

If you are interested in

learning more about the

GivingPlus Program, please

call LSS at 1-800-488-5181,

ext. 3013 and ask for a free

brochure, or call Thrivent

directly at 1-800-847-4836.

LSS Agency-wide and Regional OfficesAgency-wide Administration (414) 281-4400

North East Region(920) 734-4326

South Region(262) 896-3446

West Central Region(715) 834-2046

LSS Leadership TeamJeff CarriganVice President of Resource

Development

Michael H. GunsVice President and CFO

Ted HakalaVice President, West Central Region

Michael HoffmanVice President of Human Resources

Cynthia J. JansenExecutive Assistant

Edward T. KohlVice President, South Region

David N. LarsonPresident and CEO

Criselda Ros-DuklerVice President, North East Region

& Vice President, First Choice

For Children

LSS Connections is a publication of Lutheran

Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

Please direct questions and comments to:

Briena Romanshek Public Relations Manager,

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper

Michigan, 647 W. Virginia St., Suite 300,

Milwaukee, WI 53204-1535, (414) 325-3192

bromansh@lsswis.org

From the President’s Desk To Wire or Not to WireA recent trend report noted that more than 6.8 million U.S. wireless subscribers have abandonedtheir home phones and gone strictly cellular. Cost, convenience and a paradigm shift all butguarantee that millions more will follow their lead, cutting the cord permanently on land lines.

I think it is a bit of a miracle what we are already doing. I can pick up a little plasticdevice and call anywhere in the world. No phone line, no poles, no seeming connectionwhatsoever to put me in touch with the person I’m calling. Incredible!

And a bit troubling, too. In a world that seems to get smaller every day, I worry aboutthe lack of connection between people. We can talkby phone with no physical connection, see peopleby video without being in the same city and carryon e-mail conversations with no face-to-face contactwhatsoever.

Yet I take some comfort in two things, both ofwhich you and I share.

First, it takes great faith to believe in somethingyou cannot see. God, through history, has given usthe faith to believe in him and his work withouthaving the gift of first-hand sight. Prayers are heardand answered, all without seeing exactly wherethose prayers from our hearts and lips go. I can’ttake a picture of God’s gifts of grace and love but Iknow they exist and give me the hope I need to face each day.

Second, you and I are part of a ministry—Lutheran Social Services—whose mission itis to make the invisible, visible. Through LSS, the great gifts of God’s grace and the love ofJesus are translated into action. Those gifts are seen in the smiles and hugs and encouragementand care of staff as they meet people at their most vulnerable, and help them stand strong.

Yes, the wireless-digital age can be daunting. But, through it all, the one called Jesuskeeps the personal touch alive and well. My warmest blessing and thanks for your partnership,support and prayers as together we touch the lives of thousands with the love first shown us.

In Christ

Pastor David LarsonPresident and CEO

C O N N E C T I O N S 3

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsinand Upper Michigan relies on the generousfinancial support of businesses, churches,individuals and many other organizations toprovide a full range of compassionate socialservices to nearly 100,000 people each year.

If you know someone who might beinterested in learning more about LSS andfinancially supporting our efforts, pleaseforward his/her name and mailing address

to Briena Romanshek at (414) 325-3192or bromansh@lsswis.org. We will mail afree issue of this magazine, which high-lights new programs and services, customerstories, charitable giving opportunities,legislative action alerts and much more.

You can make a difference in thelong-term future of LSS by simply submitting one or more names. Thank youfor your cooperation!

Just One Name

Cover: Meghan Schmitz, fromMongolia, has a new family and anew home. Story on page 4.

Nine students between the ages of fiveand ten were the first graduates from a summer reading enrichment program offered through the LutheranSocial Services’ (LSS) Keefe Family Resource Center inMilwaukee’s central city. The students read over 540books, which Program Manager Chester Todd called“truly amazing.”

The program sought to increase the students’reading skills in preparation for the school year. Theyoungsters participated Monday through Friday for threeand a half-hours, spending time each day reading andworking on computers. Included was instruction onmorals, values, communications skills, appropriatebehavior and health issues.

Todd expects an expanded enrollment this comingsummer due to the recognition the program has receivedfrom teachers on the improvement and progress oftheir students. “I think the most successful part of ourprogram is that the children perceive learning as fun,”Todd said. “It is remarkable that they looked forward tobeing involved in academic activities on a daily basis.”

Pastor David Larson

Summer Program Makes

the Grade

Lutheran Social Services of

Wisconsin and Upper Michigan

touches the lives of nearly 100,000

people each year, through a variety

of compassionate social services that

benefit people of all faiths.

LSS is looking for those with a

passion to serve to join our team.

LSS offers services for people of all

ages to meet the challenges that

face our communities. We are always

looking for caring, responsible

individuals to assist us in our

mission: Motivated by the compassion

of Christ, we help people improve

the quality of their lives.

LSS offers employment opportunities

in all facets of human services,

including careers as youth care

workers, community living

specialists, program managers,

certified social workers and many

other positions.

If you have the passion to serve,

please call 1-800-216-3437, or visit

our web site at www.lsswis.org for

more information regarding job

openings in your area.

LSS offers competitive wages

and benefits such as health/dental

insurance, flexible schedules,

paid vacation, sick pay and a

generous retirement plan, along

with opportunities for personal

and professional growth.

www.lsswis.org

PASSION

FOR SERVING

LSS is an AA/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Chester Todd, program manager at the LSS Keefe FamilyResource Center, recognizes a summer reading enrichmentprogram participant for her accomplishment.

Meghan’s Story

he holiday season can become overwhelming with allof the decorating, shopping and preparing, but for onelittle girl, the magic of the season thrilled her everymoment. "Our first Christmas was a real joy withMeghan. It was obvious by the look on her face that shehad never experienced anything like this before," saidMary Schmitz.

Ken and Mary Schmitz’s lives changed forever thispast fall when they became the proud parents of a fourand a half-year-old girl from Mongolia. As the parentsof seven, the Schmitz’s became interested in adoptionwhen their daughter and son-in-law were looking toadopt a child of their own.

“Even though I’m 54-years-old and my husband is57, we found that many countries were open to olderpeople adopting and more importantly, when we learnedhow many children were in need of a loving home, weknew this was something we had to do,” stated Mary.

Once the adoption process began, it took less than ayear until they brought Meghan home. “The paper work,as with any adoption is a major task, but it is definitelysomething that can be accomplished by most anyone whohas the will to stick to the job- plus the outcome definitelyover shadows any of the paper work," commented Ken.

Both Mary and Ken said that they will never forgettheir first night with Meghan before returning home.

“When we went to the orphanage forthe last time to take Meghan with us,she was quiet and didn't smile, butseemed eager to come with us. I amsure she was afraid, but being very

brave,” said Ken.“Because all her clothing

needed to stay at the orphanage,we changed her into a new

outfit and shoes, both ofwhich she stared at

with amazement.When we

removed her

“There are

three things

that last...

faith, hope,

and love, and

the greatest of

these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:13

old shoes, we found her toes were curled under and shehad calluses from her shoes being too small.”

That eveningas they went tobed they heardMeghan crying.“There stoodMeghan with hernew shoes in herhands. Shethought she waslosing her newshoes whichmeant so much toher and wanted towear them tobed,” continuedMary. “Forweeks afterward,she would not tryon boots, slippersor other shoes forfear of losing her precious new shoes that were bigenough for her little feet.”

Since then, Meghan has experienced so much withthe Schmitz family. From learning to speak English,trying new foods, sleeping in her own room and openingherself up to a new family, Meghan is constantly masteringnew feats and bringing an unbelievable amount of joy totheir home.

“We are so blessed to live in the United States, andtraveling to Mongolia just reinforced our feelings aboutthat. We give up so little to provide so much to one of

these little ones—I wouldencourage everyone to

consider internationaladoption! The love andhappiness Meghan hasgiven back to us hasmade us all wonderhow we ever enjoyedlife without her,” concluded Mary.

T

4 C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S 5

Adoptive Families NEEDED

“Children are

a gift from

God; they are

His reward.”

Psalm 127:3

Meghan discovers the magic of the Christmas season.

anted: Loving families to adopt children fromabroad who face a lonely, uncertain future without thewarmth and security of a permanent home.

In just a few poignant words, that sums up the criti-cal need currently facing adoption workers at LutheranSocial Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and UpperMichigan. As one of the largest Lutheran child-placingorganizations in the United States, LSS has been findingforever families for children of all ages, faiths and back-grounds for more than 60 years. Over that time, adoptivehomes have been found for well over 10,000 children.

But rarely has the need for families been as urgent asit is now, partly as a result of the growing number oforphaned children abroad and the growing number ofcountries with whom LSS has forged child-placingarrangements.

Since the 1960s, LSS has developed internationalchild welfare relationships in different regions of theworld, including Russia, Mongolia and the Philippines.LSS also works in conjunction with other placing agenciesin China, India, Vietnam, Romania and Guatemala to findU.S. homes for children without permanent families in theirnative country.

As these relationships have grown, so has the numberof children waiting to be adopted. "At this time, we areseeking to place as many as 200 children of all ages andneeds from these regions, and we know there are manymore who need permanent homes," said Liz Schaefer,director of adoption. Most of the available children areat least 12 months old and have been placed in orphanagesdue to poverty or abandonment.

"LSS believes it is a fundamental right of everychild to experience the security, love and warmth of afamily," said Schaefer. "Ideally, children would realizethis right in the family into which they were born, butsadly this isn’t the situation."

"The reality is that personal crisis, family turmoil,and economic and political unrest create an imperfectworld with circumstances that cause parents to be separated from their children. This is when adoptionbecomes a loving option by giving orphaned children wholive in war-torn, poverty-stricken countries opportunitiesthey may never have had in their homeland."

Whether adopting a child from a country as largeas Russia or as small as Vietnam, the issues confrontingchildren and their prospective adoptive families aresimilar. LSS has extensive experience in preparing andsupporting families for the unique and lifelong aspectsof parenting a child who has lived in an institution, hasexperienced early deprivation or faces adjustment to anew home, culture and language.

At the moment, the average wait time betweenadoption approval and receiving the child is a minimum of 12 months. In previous years, this time frame wasmuch longer but with so many children available, theprocess can move more quickly.

The costs of international adoption, including travel,range from $14,000 to $31,000. LSS adoption staff canexplain different options that are available to help reducethe costs, including grants, low interest loans, taxdeductions and employer reimbursements.

Many people have misconceptions on the eligibilitycriteria for adoption but in truth, there are not many barriers. Different countries establish criteria for familyeligibility and many accept various family structures. Anymarried couple or single person is encouraged to apply.

If you or someone you know in your congregation,workplace or circle of friends might be interested inopening their hearts and homes to a child from anothercountry, please call the nearest LSS adoption office:

Appleton . . . . . . . . . . .800-577-4100 ext. 322 Eau Claire . . . . . . . . . .888-746-2850La Crosse . . . . . . . . . .608-788-5090Madison . . . . . . . . . . .608-277-2966Marquette . . . . . . . . . .800-677-7410Milwaukee . . . . . . . . .800-488-5181 ext. 3222Superior . . . . . . . . . . .715-394-4173 ext. 126Wausau . . . . . . . . . . . .888-522-3678

Meghan laughswith her father,

Ken Schmitz.

W

Forever Family FundHelping LSS spread the message about the need foradoptive families is one way to find loving homes forthese children. Another way is to make a contributionto help a family realize their dream of adoption.

Too often cost stands between a child and lovingparents who could offer the love, acceptance andsafety that come from being part of a forever family.Donations to the Forever Family Fund help defray thecosts of adoption, eliminating the barriers between alonely child and a loving family.

For information on how to donate, call toll free888-746-2850 or one of the LSS adoption offices listedelsewhere on this page.

News in BriefRegional ConsolidationTwo LSS regions in the southern half of the state—the

South East and South Inland regions—have becomeone region, now named the South

Region. It encompasses 19counties and is headed by

Ed Kohl, who has been with LSSfor 17 years and most recently was vice

president of the South Inland Region. SaidKohl: "There is a saying widely used throughoutLSS. ‘Together we are stronger,’ and I feel this to

be true about this new region." The consolidationcreates three regions that are more equal in sizeand can result in cost efficiencies.

Smoke DetectorsA law passed last fall by the State of Wisconsin requiresall foster homes to have smoke detectors in every bedroom.The requirement meant that First Choice for Childrenwould need to purchase nearly 6,000 smoke detectors.

Coming to the rescue with special gifts were HomeDepot, the Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation and AidAssociation for Lutherans Branch 2937. LSS employeesalso made donations. Altogether, these efforts generatedover $4,000 towards the purchase of smoke detectors.Thank you!

Refugee Program HonoredThe LSS Refugee Resettlement program has received aplaque from Marathon County for 25 years of service toHmong residents of the county. "We were surprised andflattered that the county wanted to honor our work insuch a way," said Susan Gundlach, director of theprogram. Lynne Santangelo, former director of theRefugee Resettlement program in Wausau, accepted the award on behalf of LSS.

Family Resource Center Receives GrantThe Family Resource Center operated by LSS in WaukeshaCounty has received a grant from the Hilbert N. ScherffiusFund of the Oconomowoc Area Foundation. The centerseeks to enhance the lives of children by providing parents with information, support and programs thatfocus on child development and constructive parentingpractices. The grant will allow the center to offermonthly parenting classes, expand individual parentingconsultations and host periodic workshops by communityexperts on children’s issues.

New Transitional Living ProgramProject Youth, an LSS program in Manitowoc andSheboygan counties, has received a five-year TransitionalLiving Program grant from the federal Department of Healthand Human Services. The program will help runaway andhomeless youth between the ages of 16 and 21 find safeliving arrangements, gain self-esteem and eliminate long-term dependency on the social service system.

The grant recognizes that young adults who lack asupport system have difficulty making successful transitionsto independent living. The program will work to stabilizeparticipants by providing support and safe housing for upto 18 months. Project Youth has served these two countiesfor almost 20 years. The program provides crisis interventionfor youth and their families and addresses the immediateneeds of youth who have runaway from home. Servicesare free and confidential, andinclude a 24-hour help line,temporary shelter, educationalgroups and community education on teen issues.

C O N N E C T I O N S 7

“This is a great

example of how

everyone went the

extra mile to make

sure children and

their parents had

the kind of

Christmas we

want all families

to have.”

“Together we are

stronger,’ and I

feel this to be true

about this new

region.”

6 C O N N E C T I O N S

Grant Expands Services Community Integration Services (CIS) received a grantfrom the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation topurchase computer software that will help expand services.CIS serves nearly 90 adults with developmental disabilitieswho live in their own apartments. The program providestraining in daily living skills to encourage independence.Customers learn to budget their money, pay bills andsave for emergencies. The new computer software willstreamline the program’s paperwork and allow it toserve additional customers.

Pamida’s ChristmasDonation Christmas was a little

brighter for 16 families inthe Waupaca area, thanksto a generous donationfrom Pamida, a store in

northern Wisconsin.The funds were usedto purchase gifts forselected families who did not have the

means to do so them-selves. Lori Chestnut, a parent aide

coordinator in Waupaca, secured the $500donation from Pamida, and LSS staff decided to spend it at the store, making it a win-win situation.

“This is a great example of how everyone went theextra mile to make sure children and their parents hadthe kind of Christmas we want all families to have,” saidChestnut. “"It was excellent teamwork by LSS staff anda wonderful partnership with a community business.”

Thrivent Donates to Treatment Foster CareThe Thrivent Financial for Lutherans advisory board ofthe southwest region has donated $5,000 to the LSSTreatment Foster Care program to fund marketingefforts and on-going training courses for foster families.Treatment foster homes provide specialized services tochildren experiencing mental illness, behavioral disorders,family issues, alcohol and drug abuse, developmentaldisabilities or other problems. Each child is matchedwith a qualified and trained family committed to makinga difference in the life of that child.

New Clinic in BarabooLSS has opened a new counseling clinic in Baraboo.The clinic offers comprehensive counseling services forchildren, adults and families. Among the issues dealtwith in counseling are marriage and family problems,divorce, alcohol and drug abuse, grief and loss, anxietyand depression, parenting and school problems. The treatment team includes therapists with masters andPh.D. degrees, as well as certified alcohol and drugaddiction specialists. Day and evening appointments areavailable. The clinic is state-certified and accepts privateinsurance and medical assistance. For clients withoutinsurance benefits, fees are set according to income.

Affinity House Hosts Russian VisitorsAffinity House, an LSS residential alcohol and drugprogram for persons in the criminal justice system,recently collaborated with the National PeaceFoundation to sponsor a weeklong visit by a group ofRussian women interested in treatment for addictions.The visit proved to be a learning experience for both thevisitors and LSS staff, according to Laurie Lessard, anAffinity counselor. "I was amazed to learn that inRussia, treatment is passive. Things are done to thepatient," she said, "whereas here in America, the patientis an active participant in treatment and thus feels he orshe gains something worth trying to keep."

Moving TimeHomme Youth and Family Programs has opened a newcampus in Neillsville for treatment of at-risk adolescentboys with emotional, behavioral or addiction issues. Thefacility includes three classrooms, a chapel, recreationalareas and two living units with single bedrooms for upto 28 boys. Homme-Neillsville replaces the facilities ofthe former Sunburst program which LSS acquired lastyear, and joins other Homme residential treatment programs in Wittenberg and Madison.

New Program in Black River Falls Two new residential programs have been opened by LSSin Black River Falls for persons with developmentaldisabilities. Ivy Court serves five women, and EaglePointe is the new home for six men. Both are duplexes,with half of the home serving as a transitional apartmentfor two residents who will eventually be able to moveout and live with little or no staff support.

South Region

West Central

Region

North East Region

Project Youth, an LSS program inManitowoc andSheboygan counties, is helping runawaysand homeless youthmake a safe and successful transition to independent living.

iving longer brings blessings, as well as challenges.While families are grateful to have additional years toenjoy life with their aging loved ones, they are oftenchallenged to meet their growing needs.

Increasingly, adult day services provide a welcomesolution. For residents of Rock, Walworth and Jefferson

counties, these services have just become moreaccessible and convenient, thanks to a three-citycollaboration between Lutheran Social Services(LSS) of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan andCedar Crest Retirement Living, a ministry of theMethodist church.

For several years, adult day serviceswere offered in Janesville through both TheParsonage, operated by LSS, and Cedar Acres,a facility of Cedar Crest. Now LSS and Cedar Crest are collaborating

to provide supervised activity programs in Janesville,Beloit and Whitewater. The service is available weekdaysto adults of varying ages who have health issues such asphysical and/or developmental disabilities, dementia,mental illness or other age-related conditions.

The Janesville site formerly known as TheParsonage has been renamed LSS/Cedar Acres-Janesville. A newly remodeled location in Beloit is nowLSS/Cedar Acres-Beloit. In addition, residents inWhitewater and the Milton area can access the sameservices at The Glen, an LSS assisted living center.

Programming varies at each site but all offeractivities to encourage social interaction, routine exercise,arts and crafts, lunch and snacks. Personalized care suchas medication monitoring is also offered at all sites, and assistance with bathing is available at the Janesville and Whitewater locations.

Marion Wozniak, CEO of Cedar CrestRetirement Living, is enthusiastic about thecollaboration. “Experience has shown thatsocialization and stimulation add greatly tothe quality of life for people who mightotherwise be isolated and depressed,”she said. “Such interaction can alsohelp older adults remain involvedand live in an independent settingfor a longer period.”

Adult day service programs areas important to family membersand care providers as they are tothose receiving the service. Often,the responsibility of 24-hour care

LSS Wish List

$25 - 100: Portable mixers, iron and ironing boards,basic tool sets, rice cookers, microwaves, baking utensils, coupons and gift certificates for outings, twodays of caregiver respite, baby toys, VCR, lamps, deskchairs, holiday decorations, fishing equipment, towelsand linens.

$101- 150: Computer printers, infant car seats,strollers, wagons, cribs, vacuum cleaners, DVD player,television sets, gas or charcoal grills, picnic tables, andoutdoor recreational items- volleyball net, basketballs,footballs, bicycles, camping equipment.

$151- 200: Patio furniture, tables, rockingchairs, ping-pong tables, ceiling fans, yearlymembership to zoos and museums forgroup home outings.

$201- 250: Freezer chest, bed frames, program specificeducational videos, books and pamphlets.

$251- 300: Video cameras, dressers, mattresses, computer upgrades, dining room tables and chairs.

$301 - 400: Couches, kitchen floors, carpeting, and snowblowers.

$401 & up: Remodeling projects, 15- passengervan, computers, stoves and dryers.

creates extreme pressure for the spouse or child of theperson needing assistance, forcing them to consider anursing home or other restrictive living situation beforeit is really needed.

“As people are living longer, we see increaseddemand for affordable alternative care programs,”Wozniak emphasized. “Cedar Crest and LSS feel stronglythat offering adult day care programs is an integral partof our Christian ministry, as well as a worthwhile andmuch needed community service.”

Added Pastor Gary Grindeland, director of resourcedevelopment and church relations for LSS, “We areproud that two outstanding faith-based organizations arepresenting a collaborative effort that meets the needs ofa growing population of adults.”

Rates vary according to the degree of assistance aparticipant requires. In addition to private pay, varioussupport programs in the county in which a participantlives may cover program fees and transportation costs.

For more information, please call LSS/CedarAcres-Janesville at (608) 741-6434; LSS/Cedar Acres-Beloit at (608) 362-8611; or The Glen in Whitewaterat (262) 473-9876. LSS also offers adult day servicesin Menomonee Falls (262) 251-9406, Waukesha (262) 896-3443, and West Bend (262) 338-7730.

8 C O N N E C T I O N S

Adult Day Services Become a Joint Ministry

id you know for as little as $25 you could make a huge difference? A gift of $25 will give a family caregiver a dayof respite as their loved one is in adult day services. You may think donating money for a day at the local zoo isinsignificant, but to a troubled youth in a group home this outing provides lasting memories. A contribution toward anew bed would give a woman in transitional living a place to call home. These are just a few examples of the manyways your donation could directly affect those we serve.

Please read and consider the ‘wish list’ below. Our needs are great and here is your opportunity to reach out anddirectly affect people who are hurting. Listed are items desired in several of our programs throughout Wisconsin andUpper Michigan. Your donation can go towards the region or need of your choice. A gift in any amount will make abig difference.

We value your partnership and thank you on behalf of the many individuals who will be touched by your caring.By working together, we can continue to help people improve the quality of their lives.

Please make your check payable to Lutheran Social Services and makenote of the need you would like your donation to go towards. In the

event that the donations received exceed the amount requested, your donationwill be put towards the greatest need. Thank you again for your help!

L

9

Bill Long, a programparticipant, cuts the ribbon at theopening of the newadult day servicesprogram.

D

C O N N E C T I O N S 1 1

Lasting Relationships

young person is to have an opportunity to spend timewith another caring adult outside his or her home. Thementor provides the attention that may be lacking at homeand the consistent support that may be missing from theyouth’s life.

The relationship between Alice and Stephanie is anexample of how successful the mentoring program canbe. Stephanie and her family came to Project Youth rightbefore her 12th birthday when she was beginning hertransition back home from foster care.

When Alice and Stephanie were matched, Alice hadsome reservations about mentoring a youth with developmental delays. She felt she was not prepared tohandle the issues that might arise, despite the trainingLSS provided.

“I must confess there were rough times in thebeginning of our relationship,” admitted Alice. “I tried tocorrect and discipline Stephanie when she acted out, but Isoon realized that wasn’t my role. I was there to capitalizeon her strengths, not her weaknesses, and to be a friendrather than a parent.”

Although the expected commitment for a mentor is ayear, many matches last longer because of the relationshipsthat are developed. Alice and Stephanie have had weeklyvisits for over three years. They may work on crafts,collect rocks at the beach or just talk.

“I let Stephanie do most of the decision-makingwhen we’re together because I know in her family and atschool, many choices are made for her. I think this helpsto teach her about independence and responsibility,”stated Alice.

For many youths in Sheboygan and Manitowoccounties, mentoring has proven to have a number ofpositive effects. Mentored youth are more likely to stayin school and go to college. Also, mentoring can helpprevent delinquency, improve decision-making skills andhelp youth develop a positive vision for the future.

The relationships that are created through mentoringare often mutually beneficial. “I have had a wonderfulreward seeing Stephanie grow,” said Alice. “I feel myrelationship with her has helped make a difference inher life and I truly believe I have grown, too. I wouldencourage anyone to become a mentor, not only to helpan at-risk youth, but you could be surprised to discoverwhat the youth may do for you!"

For more information about Project Youth mentoringopportunities in Manitowoc and Sheboygan, call (920)901-0443. LSS also offers mentoring programs in BeaverDam (920) 887-3172, Eau Claire (715) 832-2221 andMilwaukee (414) 672-8880.

“I feel my

relationship

with her has

helped make a

difference in her

life and I truly

believe I have

grown, too.”

he stress of providing care for seniors and other people

with chronic conditions is increasing as our

population continues to age. Many families

are keeping loved ones in their homes

longer, trying to minimize the need for

institutional care.

In fact, there are more than 50

million family caregivers in America

today providing services valued at an

astonishing $196 billion a year.

"Providing care for a loved one who is ill, disabled

and elderly is a very difficult job," said Donna Schrameyer,

coordinator of a Dodge County program sponsored by

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and

Upper Michigan and the Health and Human Services

Department. The two agencies are collaborating to provide

residents with professional assistance to supplement the

efforts of caregivers. The program is for caregivers over

60, someone caring for a person over 60, or a person

over 60 caring for a dependent grandchild.

"No matter how tired, upset or annoyed you get,

you must continue to put your feelings and emotions

aside so you can care for your loved one whose needs

increase everyday," noted Schrameyer. That is why it’s

vital for family caregivers to pay close attention to their

own health.

The first step is to talk to someone who understands

these issues and can provide information on resources to

help take care of the dependent loved one without burning

out. When Schrameyer receives a call, she visits the

home to determine caregiver needs such as assistance

with meals, support services, respite care and other issues.

“Sometimes just a little help is needed and other times

I end up being a case manager for a family that has a lot of

issues and needs direct, hands-on help from me,” she said.

The goal of the program is to listen and enhance

what caregivers are doing, not to try to replace them. Most

caregivers are so stressed and overwhelmed, they aren’t

aware there is help for their needs. In many instances,

they don’t realize they qualify for help and don’t even

recognize themselves as caregivers because they are a

spouse or live a distance from the family member.

Schrameyer directs caregivers to supportive home

care services, adult day care, counseling and a resource

library where they can read or see a video on various

topics of caregiving. She helps arrange for respite when

needed and gives caregivers new ideas on taking care of

their loved one. She also advocates for them with

doctors, nursing homes and support services.

If you are a family caregiver, we salute you! You

are an integral part of your loved one's world and you do

make a difference. For more information on the Dodge

County Family Caregiver Support Program, call Donna

Schrameyer at 1(800) 924-6407 or (920) 386-3580.

Caring for the Caregiverwo hours a week is all it could take to change a young

person’s life. For most of us, two hours is an insignificant

amount of time spent doing dishes, cleaning the house,watching television or engaging in other mundaneactivities. But for mentors like Alice Freeborg, two ormore hours a week is helping to build a productiverelationship with her mentee, Stephanie.

Alice has been a mentor with Project Youth, aprogram of Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsinand Upper Michigan in Sheboygan and Manitowoccounties, for over four years. As a recently retired highschool teacher and a nurse by profession, Alice turned tothe want ads for ideas on how to get involved with ameaningful community activity.

"After reading the job description for the ProjectYouth mentoring program, I thought this was a greatway to get back to what I always loved doing—workingwith children," recalled Alice. "I was also interestedbecause the program is a little different from others inthe community."

Project Youth is designed to establish a supportiverelationship between a caring adult and an at-risk youth.Although county human service departments refer manyof the program’s participants, both the young person andhis or her family need to agree to participate. Goals forthe program are to help prevent out-of-home placements,and also to assist youths returning home from a placementmake the transition back into the community.

Those in the program have experienced a range ofobstacles in their lives. Some come from single parentfamilies. Others come from families with such hectic

schedules that parents are unableto provide adequatesupervision,despite their desireto do so. A fewhave been removedfrom home throughno fault of theirown, but becausefamily issues needto be addressedbefore reunificationcan take place.

Whatever thecircumstances,however, the coreneed for each

TDanger Signs of Caregiver Burnout

• Loss of interest in activities that were once fulfilling

• Crying frequently

• Bouts of anger

• Sleep disturbance

• Loss of appetite

• Extreme fatigue

• Isolation from friends

• Ignoring your own health

T

“If you are a

family caregiver,

we salute you!

You are an integral

part of your loved

one's world and

you do make a

difference.”

1 0 C O N N E C T I O N S

The Value of Partnerships

families. Refugees arrive with only what they can carry,meager belongings insufficient for starting a new life ina new land. Congregations help refugees find a place tolive and provide many of the small necessities requiredto start a household.

"When these refugee families arrived in Wisconsin,they had no idea where they would live or who wouldhelp them," said Susan Gundlach, director of refugeeservices for LSS. "The assistance from Ascension hasbeen incredible, and the refugees show that in how wellthey are doing in their new lives."

“I’m awed by how many members in our congregationhave volunteered to help acclimate these families into ourcommunity,” said Pastor Jim Bickel. “Being a sponsoringchurch has not only helped the refugee families but has helped our congregation realize how blessed andfortunate we are.”

Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire is yet anotherexample of a congregation reaching out through LSS.In 1998, Melissa Jensen, an LSS program supervisor whoworks with adults with disabilities, started a choircomprised of customers and staff members.

“I’ve been involved with music my whole life andwanted to bring some of this interest to the customers,”stated Jensen. “I learned very quickly that music is apowerful tool. It brings out strong emotion and our customers, who may not always be able to verbalizefeelings, can do so through music.”

From the beginning, Trinity has kindly donatedrehearsal space for the choir and in December, thechurch held the choir’s first annual Christmas concert.

"Trinity has been so wonderful to partner with,"said Jensen. "This has been a great opportunity for ourcustomers to be active in their community and an evenbetter opportunity for church members to see peoplewith disabilities sharing their talents and spreading joy.This is what we are all about!"

These three partnerships are just a few examplesof the valuable relationships LSS has with ELCAcongregations. We invite and encourage congregationsand their members to support us regularly in prayer andto consider ways to become personally connected toour ministry.

“So many of our

programs have

established great

relationships

with local

churches and

have reaped

the rewards

from generous

donations,

support and

volunteers that

the churches

provide.”

C O N N E C T I O N S 1 31 2 C O N N E C T I O N S

and Peace Lutheran congregations in Green Bay."Although these partnerships are relatively new, the

congregations have been very willing to help us withvarious events and projects, none of which we couldhave carried out on our own," stated Kris Rusboldt,team leader.

At Halloween, Bethel donated space and volunteersfor the program’s annual costume party. The spaceprovided room for games, crafts, dancing and, most ofall, fun for the customers. Bethel Pastor Gary Frosethsaid he really enjoys partnering with the programbecause "it allows the congregation to put a face to anorganization, but more importantly, it allows us to seethe ministry that is being done through LSS."

Peace Lutheran has also been a great support thispast year by donating quilts, vacuum cleaners and volunteering to paint apartments.

Ascension Lutheran Church in Waukesha has alsoopened its doors to LSS by sponsoring two refugee

t Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin andUpper Michigan, our name, our mission and our theologyof service flow directly from our close association withthe Lutheran Church.

The partnership between LSS and congregationsstretches all the way back to the 1880s when concernedLutherans established institutions in Wittenberg andMadison to care for orphaned children. From then untilnow, Lutherans have given tangible evidence that we are anactive and alive church, hearing Christ’s call and trulycaring for our neighbors.

Today LSS is the social ministry arm of 500,000Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Lutherans in over 800 congregations of the Evangelical LutheranChurch in America.

Through LSS, the church reaches out to thousandsof people annually to profoundly affect the course oftheir lives and to do together things that individuals orcongregations cannot readily do on their own.

"Church partnerships are a vital part of our work atLSS," said Sandra Potts, director of church relations inthe North East Region. "So many of our programs haveestablished great relationships with local churches andhave reaped the rewards from generous donations,support and volunteers that the churches provide."

Community Integration Services (CIS), an LSSprogram that helps adults with cognitive disabilities ormental illness to live independently in the community,knows first hand how essential church partnerships are.Within the past year, CIS has worked with both Bethel

A

Guests enjoying the Bethel hosted costume party.

How to Get InvolvedIf you would like information on how to get involved, call ore-mail the director of church relations in your region:

South Region: Rev. Gary Grindeland (Waukesha)(262) 506-1125 / ggrindel@lsswis.org

North East Region: Sandra Potts (Appleton)(920) 730-1325 / spotts@lsswis.org

West Central Region: Barbara Solsaa (Eau Claire)(715) 838-8440 x232 / bsolsaa@lsswis.org

Prepare for TomorrowCharitable Gift Ideas that Serve

Nearly 100 special friends of a charitable organizationgathered to hear the executive director report on theservice provided by the agency and share her vision forthe future.

Five minutes into her talk the lights went out.She urged the audience to be calm. "I'm sure the

electricity will be restored shortly. Please be patient."A minute passed. People began to fidget. And then,

a woman in theaudience said, "Ihave a candle herein my purse andsome matches." Amoment later, aflame appeared andthe darkness rushedaway. A sense ofcalm returned. Soonafter, the electricitywas restored andlight once againflooded the room.

Interestingly,right before thelights went out, thespeaker had been talking about the importance ofendowed funds. Now, with her microphone workingagain, she resumed her presentation, but not with theplanned script. She was wise enough to seize themoment and draw on their mutual experience of the darkness and the candle.

“Endowments,” she said, “are like candles. Theyprovide light in the darkness of an uncertain future. Theypermit us to look ahead and plan with confidence. Theyshine rays of hope.” She went on to talk about the perpetual flames of endowment funds and how they provide financial light for future generations. “You cancreate your own endowment and light a candle of hope.Future generations will benefit from your foresight.”

The foregoing account is adapted from a true story.And it helps illustrate the importance of endowed fundshere at Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin

and Upper Michigan to help us plan prudently for thefuture. Each endowed fund is indeed a candle aglowwith promise.

Many of the people we serve feel like they are inthe dark. Each program of LSS seeks to be a candle,shining light into troubled lives. But just when many ofour customers need us most, the economic uncertainty ofthe times has us feeling less able to immediately light a

candle for those weserve. Therefore, wewant to grow thenumber and size ofour endowed funds,so that we havemany candles readyto be lighted when-ever darknessstrikes. A largerendowment wouldallow LSS to be muchless affected by year-to-year economicfluctuations and to better fill infunding gaps.

One of the finest things you could do with part ofyour charitable giving would be to light an “endowmentcandle.” You can do it now with cash or securities, orlater through your will or the remainder of charitable giftannuity or charitable trust.

An endowed fund at LSS is fully funded when itreaches $10,000. A named fund may be established withas little as $1,000 and the donor may take up to fiveyears to build the fund to the $10,000 level. Once thefund reaches the minimum, each year 5 percent of thefund is distributed. You may designate a particularprogram or area of service to receive the distributions.If building an endowed fund of $10,000 or more is notfeasible for you alone, consider pooling with familymembers or friends who share your commitment to LSSand together creating an endowed fund. Endowed fundscan be a great way to honor or memorialize a loved one.

There is an old cliché in sports about a team beinggreater than the sum of its parts. In other words, if youlooked at the individual talents of the players on theteam, you would conclude that it was not the strongestteam. Yet, the team won the championship. That happenswhen the individual players work together so well as ateam that they achieve more than the so-called expertsthink they can. The results are wonderful.

It isn’t a big a stretch to say that charitable giftannuities are like that. Charitable gift annuities allow

donors and LSS to be a stronger team by workingtogether. You may want to support LSS in helping people to improve their lives, but you don’t feel that you have sufficient assets to make a gift larger than your current annual gift. In other words, you are notable to give up the income you are receiving from theassets you would use to make a larger gift.

What if you could make a larger gift and receiveincome in return? And what if you could receive moreincome than you are currently receiving from thedonated assets?

That is what charitable gift annuities are all about. Theyare really quite simple. You make an irrevocable gift toLSS of at least $5,000 and LSS agrees to pay you incomefor life. The older you are at the time of the gift, thehigher the rate you’ll receive. And that rate will not change!

Gift annuities are available for one life or two lives.In most cases, a portion of each annuity payment is incometax-free until the donors surpass their life expectancies.

When appreciated securities are donated in returnfor the gift annuity, the donor also avoids a portion ofthe capital gains tax. Further, whatever capital gains taxis owed may be paid out over the balance of the donor’slife expectancy. (For example, if you donate stock inreturn for a gift annuity, and your life expectancy at thetime of the gift is 15 years, you pay 1/15 of the capitalgains tax each year over those 15 years.)

How do gift annuities help LSS? LSS invests the gift, using the interest to make the

annuity payments and to grow the fund. After the deathof the final annuitant, the remaining balance is availableto support the mission of LSS. As with other gifts, youmay designate how your gift is to be used.

What are the rates for gift annuities?As mentioned, the rate is determined by the age of

the donor(s). The rates are set so that, on average, 50

percent of the original gift ends up coming to LSS. For aone-life gift annuity, the rate for someone age 70 is 6.7percent; for age 75, it is 7.3 percent; for age 80, 8.3percent and at age 85, 9.7 percent.

For two lives, the rates are a little lower, becausethey are based on two life expectancies. For two donors,both age 70, the rate is 6.1 percent; if both are 75, it is6.5 percent; for two age 80, the rate is 7.1 percent, and ifboth are 85, it is 8.1 percent. Compared to current rateson CDs, gift annuity rates are a good return.

What if I am younger, say 60 or so? For those in the 55 to 65 range, another option is the

deferred gift annuity. In this case, the donor makes thegift now but defers receiving the annuity payments for atleast one year. Because payments are delayed, a higherrate is paid. This can be a good tool for supplementingyour retirement income.

Say a husband and wife, both 55-years-old, make a gift inreturn for a gift annuity anddelay the payments untilthey are 65. Because ofthe deferral, the rate theywould receive would be9.6 percent. If theydelayed the startof the annuitypayments untilage 70, the ratewould be 13 percent!

Charitablegift annuities can help you andhelp the missionof LSS. They are a gift opportunity that is greaterthan the sum of its parts!

One + One = Three?

Would You Light a Candle?

“Endowments are

like candles. They

provide light in

the darkness of an

uncertain future.

They permit us

to look ahead

and plan with

confidence.

They shine rays

of hope.”

1 4 C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S 1 5

Jean Metzig of Peace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh hasbeen a supporter of Lutheran Social Services (LSS) ofWisconsin and Upper Michigan for over 30 years. Sincethe 1970s, Jean has dedicated much of her time to vari-ous roles at LSS—most recently as a charitable giftannuity donor.

Jean’s interestin LSS began in the1970s when her pastor recommendedher to serve on theLSS board of direc-tors. "I was honoredto be asked to be apart of such a greatorganization andeven more pleasedbecause at that timethere was only one other female on theboard— a pastor’swife," said Jean.

Not only was she a member of the board, but shebecame the first female president and served for six years.She has also served on an interviewing committee forLSS staff in the Oshkosh area and was asked to join a

group of private nonprofit agencies to help advocate forneeded legislation.

Along with her dedication to LSS, she continuesto be very active in community activities and issues.She helped organize the Winnebago Interfaith Needs

Response, a groupof churches formedto respond to theneeds of peopleaffected by welfarereform. Jean hasalso been active inthe CommunityFoundation, specifically in theformation of theWomen's Fund.

Currently, Jeanand her husbandQuinton are helpingto lift up LSS and

charitable giving—specifically charitable gift annuitieswithin their church and community. "I think this type ofgiving is terrific and more people need to learn about it,"commented Jean. "In return for my donation, I receiveannuity payments each year for life—it doesn’t get anyeasier."

LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERSAnonymous (10)Hope AndersonBarbara ArnesonTed ArnesonElie AslesonMercia BachmannEdward BahrAlice BandaRoger & Lori BeckstromDonald & Dorothy BeinJohn BennethumRuth BergmanRay BergwinFred BlumersSusan BoeckHarry & Ardis BolstadClyde BraunschweigDonald BrittLeonard & Marcella BubolzDavid & Reta BuchholzGene & Patrice CardinalLeona CloudAlan & Cheryl CoatsEsther CoenenEdna CurtisAnton Di GiovanniRobert & Marilyn DueaRobert & Audrey EischDean & Lorrie EmanuelOrton & Segrid EnstadDale FernGloria FernJohn & Lorene FleckensteinElizabeth GjenvickGlenn & Mary GoldsmithGeorge & Linda GraberEdward & Mary GredeDennis & Louise GriffinArlayne GrottveitMarguerite GustafsonGerald & Mary Lou GuthArthur & Pauline HallHiram & Esther HallockWilford HalversonDorothy HealeRuth Ibach-JaegerCynthia JacobsonFrank & Janice JanzowBetty JohnsonEunice KanneKenneth & Sheila KapkeMilton & Beverly KonicekFlorence Krohlow

Lawrence & Phyllis KrusePatricia KupkaGrace LamkenWilma LamkenFrances LandDavid & Judith LarsonRalph LarsonVirginia LevenhagenJenny LindRichard & Joyce LohrRobert & Patricia LongAndrew & Renee MachmuellerPaul MarkgrenA. Bela & Julie MarotiMarion & Virginia MartinRobert & Ruth MartinSteven & Jill McCarthyDavid & Anita McGlauchlinRichard MeerdinkJeanette MettQuintin & Jeanne MetzigMichael & Alison MitchellKatie MurphyGerald & Sandra OsborneCarol OttawayNorma OttersonOrville OwensElinor PedersonGladys PedersonJosie PedersonLeona PedersonVernon & Dorothy PedersonMarlene PetersenJohn PuotinenConnie RaetherTom & Marlys ReganRichard & Beverly RegeleinJohn & Kay RemingerAlan RheinschmidtCharles RheinschmidtGlenn & Eleanor SatherFlorence SchaeferOdell SchansbergCalvin ShearerVera SilsethStuart SmithNiel & Gerrie SpiekerDewitt & Johanna StaffordAllen & Dora SteinhausDallas & Virginia StetsonSandra StratzDuane SwensonJohn & Doris SylvesterEsther Taylor

Howard ThompsonGerald & Marlene ThursOrville & Iris ThursZane TorgrudeLois TrzebiatowskiNeil & Bonnie VoskuilWilbur VossFrank & June VukosichPhyllis WeeksMyrtle WeichmannVerna WellerFlorence Whitefield

ESTATE GIFTS Anonymous Bequests Gullik G. Belsheim TrustRobert Bendit TrustWilma Berry TrustJohn Christensen EstateCharlotte Diesenreiter EstateLeona Favour EstateJ. Elmer Gilberts EstateMarcus & Ivanna Hanson FundMarie J. Heltne LegacyKnut Kleven FundAnna Olson FundRoxa Pritchett Memorial FundGertrude Roth EstateAlvin Schubert EstateHalle Steensland FundTorger G. Thompson Trust FundElbert A. Yagow Estate

TRIBUTESIn behalf ofRichard Heins

In honor ofLeona CloudCharles Fredrickson Matthew FrisingerMr. & Mrs. GloyerMark HigleyDuke LensertGeorge PazikA. E. SyverudLuke WegehauptJohn T. Yungerberg

In honor of adoptionNoah Higley

In honor of anniversaryWayne Wolfgram

In honor of birthdayMercia B. Bachmann

In honor of 50th anniversaryDonald & Audrey Frayer

In honor of leadershipSandra Potts

In honor of retirementRobert E. Duea

In memory ofM. AarsvoldGertrude AndersonJean CarterFrank ChristieAl DudashRegan DuernbergerRobert FedkeJoseph Ferrara Norman Graper Elvira GrecoEnga HartwigGordon HuffakerMark Jorgensen K. Scott KazmierczakMalinda KruegerJudy LangeElsie Lohr Carolyn LongLutheran Relatives and FriendsTed Midlikowski Emerson MillerHarry B. Nordwig Cristel Paulson Charles PatzerRichard PutzerFrank RiggsMichael R. RognholtPearl RueckertCarl SiskMarie SorensenMaybelle SpildePriscilla SteffkeHarry StelzigElsie TollarDon UelandEarl T. WegnerLouise WendtTheodore WenzelAl WucinskiVernice Zuehlke

Each of us has an opportunity to leave a legacy, to makean impact in the lives of others after we leave this earthlylife. The legacy you leave might go to your children orgrandchildren. Some of your legacy might go to yourcongregation or your college or a medical center thatserved a parent or spouse. More than 120 people haveincluded LSS in their legacies, taking steps to help us helpothers improve the quality of their lives. These friendsof LSS (listed to the right) are the Legacy Society.

To qualify for membership in the Legacy Society,you simply need to notify LSS that you have taken stepsto provide a legacy to LSS through one or more of thefollowing methods:

• Will bequest• Charitable gift annuity• Named LSS as a beneficiary of your retirement account• Named LSS the owner and beneficiary of a life

insurance policy• Charitable remainder trust

• Charitable lead trust• Pooled income

fund• Minimum $10,000

(lifetime) to an LSSendowed fund

If you have already acted to leave a legacy to LSS,we desire to know so that we may thank you for supportingLSS in this way and present you with a Legacy Societycertificate. While helpful to LSS, it is not necessary thatyou reveal the amount of your legacy. Also, you mayremain anonymous and request that your name not beshown in public listings of the Legacy Society.

If you haven’t completed your legacy plans, weurge you to do so soon. We also ask you to considerincluding LSS in that legacy. Thousands will be blessedby your gift, long into the future.

Join Those Whose Legacy Includes LSS

To obtain information about the LSS endowment program, charitable gift annuities or how you can become a Legacy Societymember, please complete and return the enclosed response form. Or contact Steve Farwig, director of the LSS planned givingprogram. You can reach him by calling 1-800-488-5181, ext. 3073 or by sending an e-mail to sfarwig@lsswis.org.

Donor Goes Above and Beyond

“I think this

type of giving is

terrific and more

people need to

learn about it.”

1 6 C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S 1 7

Jean Metzig and her husband, Quinton.

Thank You Churches & Women of the ELCA

The following churches and Women of the Evangelical Church of America have generously supported LSS in

2002. Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to people LSS is privileged to serve each

year! Great care was taken to make sure that every donating church and Women of the ELCA groups were

included and listed correctly. We apologize for any omissions and misspellings.

1 8 C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S 1 9

BlairFagernes Lutheran ChurchFirst Lutheran ChurchZion Lutheran ChurchBlanchardvilleBlanchardville Lutheran ChurchYork Memorial Lutheran ChurchBloomerOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Lutheran ChurchBlue MoundsWest Blue Mounds Lutheran

ChurchBoscobelSt. John's Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchBoycevilleTrinity Lutheran ChurchBrandonEmanuel Lutheran ChurchBrillGrace Lutheran ChurchBrodheadBethlehem Lutheran ChurchBrookfieldCalvary Lutheran ChurchChrist the King Evangelical

Lutheran ChurchCross of Life Lutheran ChurchGethsemane Evangelical

Lutheran ChurchReformation Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Lutheran ChurchBruleHope Lutheran ChurchBurlingtonCross Lutheran ChurchCadottBig Drywood Lutheran ChurchCambridgeEast Koshkonong Lutheran ChurchRockdale Lutheran ChurchCameronFaith Lutheran ChurchCamp DouglasSt. Peter's Lutheran ChurchCarolineZion Lutheran Church

CashtonBethany Lutheran Church-La FargeBrush Creek Lutheran Church-

OntarioFish Creek Ridge Lutheran

Church-RocklandImmanuel Lutheran ChurchNorth Coon Prairie Lutheran

ChurchPortland Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran ChurchCatawbaBethany Lutheran Church of

CatawbaCedarburgAdvent Lutheran Church, Ltd.Faith Lutheran ChurchImmanuel Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran ChurchCenturiaFristad Lutheran ChurchChaseburgMiddle Coon Valley Lutheran

ChurchChetekChetek Lutheran ChurchChippewa FallsCentral Lutheran ChurchEnglish Lutheran Church of

BatemanOur Saviour's Lutheran ChurchClaytonFaith Lutheran ChurchMoe Lutheran ChurchClear LakeFirst Lutheran ChurchClintonvilleChristus Lutheran ChurchCobbBethlehem Lutheran Church-

EdmundPeace Lutheran ChurchColfaxColfax Lutheran ChurchNorth Running Valley Lutheran

ChurchNorton Lutheran ChurchColomaPrince of Peace Lutheran ChurchColumbusFaith Lutheran ChurchCombined LocksChrist the King Lutheran ChurchConoverPioneer Lake Lutheran ChurchCoon ValleyCoon Valley Lutheran ChurchCornellOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchCornucopiaImmanuel Lutheran Church

CHURCHES

In WisconsinAdamsTrinity Lutheran ChurchAlmaSt. John Evangelical Lutheran ChurchAmeryBalsam Lutheran ChurchDeronda Lutheran ChurchEast Immanuel Lutheran ChurchElim Lutheran ChurchFirst Lutheran ChurchLittle Falls Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran Church-Deronda

(Garfield)AmherstPeace Lutheran ChurchAniwaBethany Lutheran ChurchSt. Paul's Lutheran ChurchAntigoArbutus Lutheran ChurchCalvary Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Lutheran Church-PolarAppletonFirst English Lutheran ChurchGrace Lutheran ChurchOur Saviour Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchPrince of Peace Lutheran ChurchTrinity English Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchZion Evangelical Lutheran ChurchArcadiaChrist Lutheran ChurchArgyleAdams Lutheran ChurchArgyle Lutheran ChurchArkdaleTrinity Lutheran ChurchAshippunZion Lutheran ChurchAshlandGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchSaron Lutheran Church

AugustaSt. Paul Lutheran ChurchBaileys HarborImmanuel Lutheran ChurchBaldwinGethsemane Lutheran ChurchPeace Lutheran ChurchBalsam LakeFaith Evangelical Lutheran ChurchGeorgetown Lutheran ChurchBarabooSt. Paul's Lutheran ChurchBarneveldBarneveld Lutheran ChurchBarronFirst Lutheran ChurchBay CityBethlehem Lutheran ChurchEidsvold Lutheran ChurchBeaver DamFirst Lutheran ChurchSt. John's English Lutheran ChurchBeldenvilleOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchBellevillePrimrose Lutheran ChurchBelmontPeace Evangelical Lutheran ChurchBeloitAtonement Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchLuther Valley Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchSt. Paul Lutheran ChurchBerlinGrace English Lutheran ChurchBirchwoodTrinity Lutheran ChurchBlack EarthOur Saviour's Lutheran Church-WI

Heights ParishSt. John's Lutheran ChurchVermont Lutheran ChurchBlack River FallsEvangelical Lutheran ChurchLittle Norway Lutheran ChurchSquaw Creek Lutheran Church

GilmanSt. John's Lutheran ChurchGlendaleMemorial Lutheran ChurchGlenwood CityHoly Cross Lutheran ChurchGraftonGrace Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Lutheran ChurchGrantsburgBethany Lutheran ChurchFaith Lutheran ChurchGreen BayAscension Lutheran ChurchAtonement Lutheran ChurchBethel Lutheran ChurchCalvary Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchPeace Lutheran ChurchResurrection Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran ChurchGreendaleSt. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchSt. Stephen the Martyr Lutheran

ChurchGreenfieldAdoration Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchKing of Glory English Evangelical

Lutheran ChurchGreenwoodLongwood Emmanuel Lutheran

ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchGreshamElias Lutheran ChurchHartlandOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchHawkinsBethel Lutheran ChurchHaywardFirst Lutheran ChurchHighlandOtter Creek Lutheran ChurchHixtonNorthfield Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchUpper Pigeon Creek Lutheran ChurchHolmenHalfway Creek Lutheran ChurchHolmen Lutheran ChurchHoriconZion Lutheran ChurchHudsonBethel Lutheran ChurchHustisfordSt. Michael Lutheran ChurchHustlerFountain Lutheran ChurchIndependenceIndependence Lutheran Church

IolaHitterdahl Lutheran ChurchNorthland Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchIron RiverOur Savior Lutheran ChurchIxoniaCross Lutheran ChurchJacksonSt. John's Lutheran ChurchJanesvilleFaith Lutheran ChurchFirst Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchSt. John Lutheran ChurchSt. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchJohnson CreekSt. John's Lutheran ChurchKenoshaLord of Life Lutheran ChurchSt. Mary's Lutheran ChurchLa CrosseBethel Lutheran ChurchEnglish Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd English

Evangelical Lutheran ChurchOur Redeemer Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchSt. Paul's Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran ChurchLadysmithHope Lutheran ChurchLake GenevaImmanuel Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchLake MillsTrinity Lutheran ChurchLancasterSt. Paul Lutheran Church of PotosiLarsenGrace Lutheran Church of

WinchesterLeopolisSt. John's Lutheran ChurchLittle SuamicoSt. John's Lutheran ChurchLodiFirst Lutheran ChurchLoganvilleSt. Peter's Lutheran ChurchLone RockFirst Lutheran ChurchLoyalTrinity Lutheran ChurchLuckBone Lake Lutheran ChurchLuck Lutheran ChurchSt. Peter's Lutheran ChurchMadisonAdvent Lutheran ChurchBethel Lutheran Church

Cuba CityFaith Lutheran ChurchCudahySt. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchCumberlandAugustana Lutheran ChurchFirst Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran ChurchCurtissSt. Paul's Lutheran ChurchCushingFirst Evangelical Lutheran ChurchLaketown Lutheran ChurchDallasDallas Lutheran ChurchNew Scandinavia Lutheran ChurchDarlingtonGrace Lutheran ChurchDe ForestChrist Lutheran ChurchNorway Grove Memorial Lutheran

ChurchSpring Prairie Lutheran ChurchDe PereSt. John Lutheran ChurchDe SotoDe Soto Lutheran ChurchFreeman Lutheran Church-FerryvilleDeerfieldDeerfield Lutheran ChurchSt. Paul's Liberty Lutheran ChurchDelafieldChrist the King Lutheran ChurchDelavanLuther Memorial Lutheran ChurchDenmarkOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchDodgevilleFairview Lutheran ChurchGrace Lutheran ChurchDownsvilleNew Hope Lutheran ChurchDresserBethesda Lutheran ChurchPeace Lutheran ChurchDurandFaith Lutheran ChurchEagle RiverPrince of Peace Lutheran ChurchEau ClaireFirst Lutheran ChurchGrace Lutheran ChurchImmanuel Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran ChurchEdgarPeace Lutheran ChurchSt. John Lutheran ChurchSt. Stephen's Lutheran ChurchEdgertonCentral Lutheran Church

ElevaEleva Lutheran ChurchPleasant Valley Lutheran ChurchElk MoundBig Elk Creek Lutheran ChurchShepherd of the Hill Lutheran

ChurchElkhornSt. John's Lutheran ChurchSugar Creek Lutheran ChurchEllison BayShepherd of the Bay Lutheran

ChurchEllsworthEnglish Lutheran ChurchElroyGrace Lutheran ChurchEphraimBethany Lutheran Church of

EphraimEttrickFrench Creek Lutheran ChurchHardies Creek Lutheran ChurchLiving Hope Lutheran ChurchNorth Beaver Creek Lutheran

ChurchSouth Beaver Creek Lutheran

ChurchEvansvilleCooksville Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Lutheran ChurchFairwaterZion Lutheran ChurchFall CreekSt. James Trinity Lutheran ChurchFennimoreSt. Peter Lutheran ChurchFlorenceBethlehem Lutheran ChurchFond du LacChurch of Our Saviour Evangelical

Lutheran ChurchImmanuel-Trinity Lutheran ChurchFort AtkinsonTrinity Lutheran ChurchFranksvilleNorth Cape Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchFredericGrace Evangelical Lutheran

Church-West SwedenPilgrim Lutheran ChurchTrade Lake Zion Lutheran ChurchGalesvilleZion Lutheran ChurchGays MillsLuther Memorial Lutheran ChurchGermantownLutheran Church of the Living

ChristGillettSt. John's Lutheran Church

Thank You Churches & Women of the ELCA

2 0 C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S 2 1

MontfortCastle Rock Lutheran ChurchMorrisonvilleUnited in Christ Lutheran ChurchMosineeSt. John Lutheran ChurchMount HorebSpringdale Lutheran ChurchEvangelical Lutheran ChurchImmanuel Lutheran ChurchPerry Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchMt. SterlingMt. Sterling Lutheran ChurchUtica Lutheran Church-FerryvilleMukwonagoMt. Olive Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchVernon Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchMuskegoAtonement Lutheran ChurchBethel Evangelical Lutheran ChurchNeenahGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchSt. Mark Lutheran ChurchSt. Paul Lutheran ChurchNeillsvilleCalvary Lutheran ChurchNekoosaZion Lutheran Church of Big FlatsNelsonLyster Lutheran ChurchNelsonvilleNelsonville Lutheran ChurchNew AuburnDovre Lutheran ChurchNew BerlinChrist the Victor Lutheran ChurchNew GlarusShepherd of the Hills Lutheran

ChurchNew LisbonBethany Lutheran ChurchEast Lemonweir Lutheran ChurchNew RichmondFirst Lutheran ChurchNorth FreedomSt. John's Lutheran Church of

LelandOconomowocDr. Martin Luther Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Lutheran Church

OcontoFirst American Lutheran ChurchOconto FallsBethel Lutheran ChurchGrace Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Lutheran Church of

MorganOgdensburgFirst Lutheran ChurchOgemaFirst Evangelical Lutheran ChurchOnalaskaChrist the King Lutheran ChurchFirst Lutheran ChurchOregonSt. John's Lutheran ChurchOsceolaWest Immanuel Lutheran ChurchOshkoshCalvary Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran ChurchFirst English Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchSt. John's Lutheran Church of

NekimiOsseoChimney Rock Lutheran Church-

StrumElk Creek Lutheran ChurchKings Valley Lutheran ChurchOsseo Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchSouth Beef River Lutheran ChurchSt. Luke Lutheran Church-FosterPalmyraSt. Matthew Lutheran ChurchPell LakeTrinity Evangelical Lutheran ChurchPepinImmanuel Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchLittle Plum Lutheran ChurchPewaukeeGalilee Lutheran ChurchLutheran Church of the

ResurrectionPhillipsSt. John Lutheran ChurchPigeon FallsEvangelical Lutheran ChurchPigeon Creek Lutheran ChurchPlattevilleFirst English Lutheran ChurchLutheran Church of PeacePloverGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchPoplarPeace Lutheran ChurchPort WashingtonChrist the King Lutheran Church

Madison (continued)Burke Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran Church

WestLake Edge Lutheran ChurchLakeview Lutheran ChurchMessiah Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchMidvale Community Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran ChurchManawaZion Lutheran ChurchManitowocFirst Lutheran ChurchSt. Paul Evangelical Lutheran ChurchMarinetteOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchZion Lutheran ChurchMarionBethlehem Lutheran Church-PellaSt. John's Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchSt. Matthew Lutheran ChurchMarkesanCounty Line Lutheran ChurchMarshfieldFaith Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchGrace Lutheran ChurchMaustonBethany Lutheran ChurchMayvilleSt. Paul's Lutheran ChurchMazomanieSt. Paul Lutheran Church-MarxvilleMcFarlandMcFarland Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchMedfordSt. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchMenashaOur Redeemer Evangelical

Lutheran ChurchMenomonee FallsGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchHoly Cross Lutheran ChurchMenomonieChrist Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchPeace Lutheran Church

MerrillCalvary Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchMerrimacImmanuel Lutheran ChurchMiddletonSt. Luke's Lutheran ChurchMiltonHope Lutheran ChurchMilwaukeeAbiding Savior Lutheran ChurchAscension Lutheran ChurchDivine Word Lutheran ChurchFlorist Avenue Lutheran ChurchFox Point Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchImmanuel Lutheran ChurchIncarnation Lutheran ChurchJackson Park Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchKing of Kings Lutheran ChurchKingo Lutheran ChurchLake Park Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchLincoln Park Lutheran ChurchLutheran Church of the

ReformationMartin Luther Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchMt. Carmel Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchPrince of Peace Lutheran ChurchSt. Paul's Lutheran ChurchMindoroLewis Valley Lutheran Church-

HolmenMindoro Lutheran ChurchMinocquaCalvary Lutheran ChurchMinongCalvary Lutheran ChurchMondoviCentral Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchDrammen Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchModena Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran Church of NordenMononaSt. Stephen's Evangelical

Lutheran ChurchMonroeGrace Evangelical Lutheran Church

StoughtonChrist Lutheran ChurchCovenant Lutheran ChurchFirst Lutheran ChurchWest Koshkonong Lutheran ChurchStratfordZion Lutheran ChurchStrumImmanuel Lutheran ChurchSturgeon BayBay View Lutheran ChurchHainesville Lutheran ChurchSullivanSt. Luke's Lutheran Church-RomeSun PrairieBristol Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchSuperiorBethel Lutheran ChurchConcordia Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchPilgrim Evangelical Lutheran ChurchSuringOur Redeemer's Lutheran ChurchSussexChrist Our Savior Lutheran ChurchTaylorFirst Lutheran Church-Trempealeau

ValleyTaylor Lutheran ChurchUpper Beaver Creek Lutheran

ChurchThiensvilleGrace Lutheran ChurchThree LakesFaith Lutheran ChurchTigertonPeace Lutheran Church-Split RockTomahGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchTomahawkGrace Lutheran ChurchTrempealeauMt. Calvary Lutheran ChurchTwin LakesMessiah Lutheran ChurchTwo RiversCalvary Lutheran ChurchUnityTrinity Lutheran ChurchValdersFaith Lutheran ChurchVeronaWest Middleton Lutheran ChurchViroquaBethany Lutheran ChurchBethel Lutheran ChurchFranklin Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchNorth West Prairie Lutheran

Church

South West Prairie LutheranChurch

Zion Lutheran ChurchWalworthFaith Lutheran ChurchWashburnMessiah Lutheran ChurchWashington IslandTrinity Lutheran ChurchWaterlooSt. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchWatertownImmanuel Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchImmanuel Lutheran Church of

LebanonSt. Paul Lutheran Church-Sugar

IslandWaukeshaAscension Lutheran ChurchChrist the Servant Lutheran

ChurchSt. Luke's Lutheran ChurchSt. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchWaunakeePeace Lutheran ChurchWaupacaFarmington Lutheran ChurchShepherd of the Lakes Lutheran

ChurchTrinity Lutheran ChurchWaupunImmanuel Lutheran ChurchWausauFirst English Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchImmanuel Lutheran ChurchPilgrim Lutheran ChurchSt. John Lutheran ChurchSt. Stephen Lutheran ChurchTrinity Evangelical Lutheran

Church-StettinZion Lutheran ChurchWautomaHope Lutheran ChurchSt. Peter Lutheran Church of

RichfordWauwatosaMt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchRedemption Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchSt. Matthew's Evangelical

Lutheran ChurchWauzekaSt. Paul Lutheran Church

Poy SippiFirst Lutheran ChurchPrairie du ChienSt. Peter Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchPrairie du SacSt. John's Lutheran ChurchPrairie FarmFirst Lutheran Church of ArlandUnited Lutheran ChurchWest Akers Lutheran ChurchPrescottJoy Lutheran ChurchRacineBethania Lutheran ChurchEvangelical Lutheran Church of the

AtonementGethsemane Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchHoly Communion Lutheran ChurchLutheran Church of the RedeemerMt. Pleasant Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchSt. Andrew Lutheran ChurchSt. Paul's Lutheran ChurchRandom LakeSt. Paul's Lutheran ChurchReadstownPeace Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Lutheran ChurchRhinelanderImmanuel Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran ChurchRice LakeBethany Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchStanfold Lutheran ChurchTrinity Evangelical Lutheran ChurchRidgelandHay River Lutheran ChurchRidgeland Lutheran ChurchRioBonnet Prairie Lutheran ChurchRedeemer Lutheran ChurchRock SpringsZion Lutheran ChurchRosendaleSt. Stephen's Lutheran Church-

RogersvilleRosholtFaith Lutheran ChurchNorth New Hope Evangelical

Lutheran ChurchRothschildMt. Calvary Lutheran ChurchRubiconSt. Olaf's Lutheran ChurchSalemChrist Lutheran ChurchSand CreekNew Hope Lutheran Church

SaronaLong Lake Lutheran Church-SaronaSaynerShepherd of the Lakes Evangelical

Lutheran ChurchScandinaviaScandinavia Lutheran ChurchSeymourEmmanuel Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchShawanoZion Lutheran ChurchSheboyganFirst United Lutheran ChurchSt. Andrew Lutheran ChurchSt. Peter Lutheran ChurchSheboygan FallsSt. Luke's Lutheran ChurchShell LakeSalem Lutheran ChurchSirenBethany Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran Church of FalunSlingerSt. Luke Lutheran ChurchSoldiers GroveKickapoo United Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchSolon SpringsOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchSomersetChrist Lutheran ChurchSouth MilwaukeeTrinity Lutheran ChurchSouth WayneWiota Lutheran ChurchSpartaTrinity Lutheran ChurchSpencerSt. John's Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Lutheran Church-

RiplingerSpoonerTrinity Lutheran ChurchSpring GreenChrist Lutheran ChurchSpring ValleyGilman Lutheran ChurchSpring Lake Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchStanleyOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchStar PrairieBethany Lutheran ChurchStevens PointTrinity Lutheran ChurchStockholmSabylund Lutheran ChurchStone LakeFirst Lutheran Church

Thank You Churches & Women of the ELCA

2 2 C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S 2 3

MohawkBethany Lutheran Church of

KeweenawMoranZion Lutheran Church-AllenvilleMunisingEden Evangelical Lutheran ChurchNegauneeBethany Lutheran ChurchImmanuel Lutheran Church of

NegauneeNewberryOur Redeemer Lutheran ChurchOntonagonSiloa Lutheran ChurchRapid RiverTrinity Lutheran ChurchRockFaith Lutheran ChurchSkandiaEmanuel Lutheran ChurchSouth RangeRange Evangelical Lutheran

ParishSt. IgnaceZion Lutheran ChurchStambaughTrinity Lutheran ChurchTrenaryFirst Lutheran ChurchWakefieldAll Saints Lutheran ChurchWhite PineFaith Lutheran Church

In Other StatesCaledonia, MNImmanuel Lutheran ChurchWilmington Lutheran ChurchLa Crescent, MNPrince of Peace Lutheran ChurchSpring Grove, MNFaith Lutheran Church of Black

HammerOur Savior's Lutheran Church of

Riceford

WOMEN OF THE ELCA

In WisconsinAlmaSt. John Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchAmeryEast Immanuel Lutheran ChurchFirst Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchAugustaSt. Paul Lutheran ChurchBaileys HarborImmanuel Lutheran ChurchBaldwinGethsemane Lutheran ChurchBalsam LakeGeorgetown Lutheran ChurchBarneveldBarneveld Lutheran ChurchBarronFirst Lutheran ChurchBelmontBelmont Lutheran ChurchBeloitLuther Valley Lutheran ChurchSt. Paul Lutheran ChurchBerlinGrace English Lutheran ChurchBlack CreekImmanuel Lutheran Church, CiceroBlack EarthOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchVermont Lutheran ChurchBlack River FallsEvangelical Lutheran ChurchBloomerSt. John's Lutheran ChurchBlue MoundsWest Blue Mounds Lutheran

ChurchBlue RiverFive Points Lutheran ChurchBowlerSt. Matthew Lutheran ChurchBrodheadBethlehem Lutheran ChurchBrookfieldSt. John's Lutheran ChurchCadottBig Drywood Lutheran ChurchCambridgeEast Koshkonong Lutheran

ChurchCamp DouglasSt. Peters Lutheran ChurchSt. Stephen's Lutheran ChurchCarolineZion Lutheran ChurchCashtonBethany Lutheran Church of La

Farge

WebsterLakeside Community Lutheran

ChurchYellow Lake Lutheran ChurchWest AllisFirst Lutheran Church of West AllisHoly Trinity Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchLuther Memorial Evangelical

Lutheran ChurchMt. Hope Lutheran ChurchWest BendOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran ChurchWest MilwaukeeSt. John's Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchWest SalemOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchWestboroFirst Evangelical Lutheran ChurchWestbySkogdalen Lutheran ChurchVang Lutheran ChurchWestby-Coon Prairie Lutheran

ChurchWestfieldSt. Paul's Lutheran Church-Crystal

LakeWheelerOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchWhitehallGrace Lutheran Church of

PleasantvilleOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchWhitewaterFirst English Lutheran ChurchWilliams BayWilliams Bay Lutheran ChurchWilsonImmanuel Lutheran Church-

Glenwood CityWilson Lutheran ChurchWiltonSt. Paul Lutheran ChurchWind LakeNorway Evangelical Lutheran ChurchWisconsin DellsBethany English Evangelical

Lutheran ChurchWisconsin RapidsBethany Lutheran ChurchFirst English Lutheran ChurchGrace Lutheran Church

WitheeNazareth Lutheran ChurchWittenbergRedeemer Lutheran ChurchWoodvilleZion Lutheran Church

In MichiganAmasaBethany Lutheran ChurchBark RiverSalem Lutheran ChurchCrystal FallsUnited Lutheran ChurchEwenFirst Lutheran ChurchOur Savior Lutheran Church-

PaynesvilleGladstoneFirst Lutheran ChurchGwinnGrace Lutheran ChurchHoughtonGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchIron RiverFirst Lutheran ChurchIronwoodSalem Lutheran ChurchSt. Paul Lutheran ChurchIshpemingBethany Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchBethel Lutheran ChurchFaith Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran ChurchL'AnseUnited Lutheran ChurchManistiqueZion Lutheran ChurchMarquetteMessiah Lutheran ChurchPrince of Peace Lutheran ChurchMass CityFirst Lutheran Church of WinonaWainola Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchMenomineeBethel Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchEmmanuel Lutheran Church

HixtonNorthfield Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchHudsonRedeemer Lutheran ChurchJacksonChrist Evangelical Lutheran ChurchJanesvilleSt. John Lutheran ChurchJeffersonSt. Mark Lutheran ChurchLa CrosseOlivet Lutheran ChurchLeopolisSt. John's Lutheran ChurchLodiFirst Lutheran ChurchLone RockFirst Lutheran ChurchMadisonBethel Lutheran ChurchBurke Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchMarshallHoly Trinity English Lutheran ChurchMayvilleSt. Paul's Lutheran ChurchMazomanieSt. John's Lutheran ChurchMenomonieOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchMerrimacImmanuel Lutheran ChurchMilwaukeeAbiding Savior Lutheran ChurchAscension Lutheran ChurchLincoln Park Lutheran ChurchOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchMindoroMindoro Lutheran ChurchMondoviCentral Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchModena Lutheran ChurchMonfortCastle Rock Lutheran ChurchNew LisbonEast Lemonweir Lutheran ChurchNew RichmondFirst Lutheran ChurchNorth FreedomSt. John's of LelandOconomowocOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchOconto FallsBethel Lutheran ChurchOregonSt. John's Lutheran ChurchOsceolaWest Immanuel Lutheran ChurchOshkosh

Women of the ELCA-OshkoshConference

OsseoChimney Rock Lutheran ChurchSt. Luke Lutheran Church-FosterPigeon FallsPigeon Creek Lutheran ChurchPlattevilleFirst English Lutheran ChurchPoy SippiFirst Lutheran ChurchPoynetteDekorra Lutheran ChurchPrairie FarmUnited Lutheran ChurchPulaskiOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchRice LakeOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchRichland CenterSt. John's Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchRubiconSt. Olaf's Lutheran ChurchSaronaLong Lake Lutheran ChurchScandinaviaScandinavia Lutheran ChurchSirenTrinity Lutheran Church of FalunSoldiers GroveOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchSouth MilwaukeeTrinity Lutheran ChurchSpencerSt. John Lutheran ChurchSpring ValleyGilman Lutheran ChurchSt. John's Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchStanleyOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchStar PrairieBethany Lutheran ChurchStevens PointTrinity Lutheran ChurchStockholmSabylund Lutheran ChurchStone LakeFirst Lutheran ChurchStoughtonCovenant Lutheran ChurchStrumImmanuel Lutheran ChurchSun PrairieBristol Lutheran ChurchTaylorFirst Lutheran Church-Trempealeau

ValleyTaylor Lutheran ChurchUpper Beaver Creek Lutheran Church

Three LakesFaith Lutheran ChurchTrempealeauMt. Calvary Lutheran ChurchUnityTrinity Lutheran ChurchViroquaImmanuel Lutheran ChurchWaupunImmanuel Lutheran ChurchWausauImmanuel Lutheran ChurchWautomaHope Lutheran ChurchWauwatosaNativity Evangelical Lutheran

ChurchWebsterLakeside Lutheran ChurchWest BendOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchWhitehallOur Savior's Lutheran ChurchWhitewaterFirst English Lutheran ChurchWilliams BayWilliams Bay Lutheran ChurchWitheeNazareth Lutheran ChurchWoodvilleZion Lutheran Church

In MichiganBaraga, MIHoly Cross Lutheran ChurchNegaunee,MIBethany Lutheran ChurchNorth Ironwood, MISt. John Lutheran ChurchStambaugh,MITrinity Lutheran Church

In Other StatesPoplar Grove, ILJefferson Prairie Lutheran ChurchCaledonia,MNImmanuel Lutheran Church

Chippewa FallsNorthwest Synod of Wisconsin,

SWOCentral Lutheran ChurchCobbPeace Lutheran ChurchCornucopiaImmanuel Lutheran ChurchCuba CityFaith Lutheran ChurchCumberlandAugustana Lutheran ChurchTrinity Lutheran ChurchCushingLaketown Lutheran ChurchDarlingtonGrace Lutheran ChurchDodgevilleFairview Lutheran ChurchGrace Lutheran ChurchDurandFaith Lutheran ChurchEau ClaireFirst Lutheran ChurchEdgarSt. Stephen's Lutheran ChurchEdgertonCentral Lutheran ChurchElk MoundBig Elk Creek Lutheran ChurchEllsworthEnglish Lutheran ChurchElroyGrace Lutheran ChurchFall CreekNorthwest Synod of Wisconsin, SWOFennimoreSt. Peter Lutheran ChurchFenwoodSt. Peter Lutheran ChurchFond du LacImmanuel-Trinity Lutheran ChurchGillettSt. John's Lutheran ChurchGraftonGrace Lutheran ChurchGrantonZion Pine Valley Lutheran ChurchGreshamSt. Elias Lutheran ChurchHales CornersWhitnall Park Lutheran ChurchHammondTrinity Lutheran ChurchHancockZion-Big Flats-Neibull Lutheran

ChurchHaywardFirst Lutheran ChurchHighlandOtter Creek Lutheran Church