Communicating the convention message

A new communication tool is available for the 400 delegates as they take the convention message back to their congregations. A five-minute DVD of convention highlights will be mailed to delegates the week of Aug. 20. “The DVD is essentially a recap of the convention,” says Joel Hochmuth, WELS ’ communications director, “and it explains the challenge that lies ahead for the congregations. The convention laid out an aggressive plan and the only way to meet that is with the cooperation of the congregations.”

This is just part of WELS ’ post-convention communication strategy to get delegates out into their districts so they can share the convention message of expanding missions and maintaining our ministerial education system.

“Part of a delegate’s job description is to go and communicate the convention to the rest of the synod. And unfortunately [in the past] many delegates have been ill-equipped because we just haven’t given them concrete tools to go out and do that,” says Hochmuth. “So that was the purpose of the DVD, to give them something that they could take out and give a consistent message to the entire synod. They can use [the DVD] as a discussion starter for their presentations to the rest of the congregations.”  

The DVD is also going to be available as part of the congregational leader’s toolbox on the September and October editions of WELS Connection. Copies will be supplied to every congregation, which include an address to the entire synod from new WELS President Mark Schroeder.

Seminars Help Set Goals, Develop Plans for Stewardship

In line with the convention resolution to intensify stewardship efforts, WELS Adult Discipleship’s Faith Focused Finances program offers several workshops to help pastors, congregational leaders, and individuals set goals and develop plans for financial stewardship.

Congregational workshops focus on developing a stewardship culture within a congregation, and leaders will leave with a specific plan to incorporate fundamental stewardship ideas into their congregational life. Congregational leaders, such as stewardship committee or council members, are encouraged to attend.

Personal financial workshops are designed to guide members through the basics of wise faith-focused finances for their daily lives and focus on Christian attitudes behind healthy financial decisions.

Leadership seminars gather pastors and called workers together to discuss their leadership in the area of financial stewardship. They focus on communication, delegation, vision, and setting examples.

To view and register for upcoming workshops, visit www.wels.net/jump/faithfinance. If you’d like to host a workshop in your area, contact WELS Adult Discipleship at 800-567-8669.

Almost 3,000 People See the Convention Action on Streams

Live Internet streaming of this year’s synod convention attracted a large crowd of viewers back home—almost 3,000 different viewers, according to statistics from the WELS Technology Office.

“This year many members of our synod were able to actually see and hear something that may have been a mystery to them until now,” says WELS Chief Technology Officer Martin Spriggs. “What a blessing to have all of those virtual viewers so interested in the work of their synod. I’m happy that technology was able to create a positive experience for those who couldn’t be here in person. I’m already looking forward to how we can improve it in two years.”

Members Give Thanks with Walking Together Offerings

WELS has received $681,831 in Walking Together offerings through July 31. The gifts came from 435 congregations and 779 individuals or WELS organizations.

Walking Together Sunday is an annual celebration of what we, by the grace of God, accomplish together as a synod. The 2007 service highlights Trinity Lutheran Church in Crete, Ill. , as a typical congregation that both supports and is supported by the synod. Worship materials, based on Philippians 1:3-6, discuss the blessings of partnership. Materials were sent to all congregations at the beginning of the year. The service can be held anytime in 2007.

Online Payment Center Now Available for WELS Schools

A new Web site developed by WELS Parish Schools encourages WELS schools and teachers to participate in programs, services, and events designed to support the mission of their schools. Schools participating in WELS Parish School ’s supplemental funding plan are eligible for discounts on services and resources found on this site. Schools that have not done so can make contributions online to receive their discount code.

Visit www.wels.net/jump/cpspayment to find resources and tools including Curriculum Mapper software, PowerSchool training, enrollment for UnitedStreaming, WELSSA (school accreditation) information and applications, events, products, and more.

For more information on these resources or the supplemental funding program, visit www.wels.net/jump/cps.

First Distributions Taken from WELS Endowment Funds

Following the close of the 2006-07 fiscal year, WELS Foundation distributed a total of $237,758 from the synod’s new endowment funds to support missions and ministerial education.

WELS Foundation maintains the principal amount of the endowment funds while distributing annually four percent of the three-year (or since inception) rolling average market value of the funds. Because growth of the funds is generally greater than four percent, the endowments and the amount of funding they provide for ministry grows year after year.

“It’s wonderful to see already the support these funds are providing. And the Holy Spirit is continuing to move the hearts of his people as we continue in our goal to gather $300 million in endowment gifts by 2018,” says Dave Liggett, WELS Director of Christian Giving.

Since the endowment funds began in 2006, members and the Schwan Foundation have contributed $3.5 million in current gifts (cash, stocks) and $33.1 million in deferred gifts. For more information about the synod’s endowments and how to make a gift, visit www.wels.net/jump/endowment.

We are the WELS …Proclaiming Peace Through Jesus

For Every Soul Is A Treasure!

* Southeastern wisconsin district section*

Called Worker Call Activity:

Visit www.wels.net

Congregation mission offering update 2007

“For if the willingness is there,

 the gift is acceptable according to what one has,

 not according to what he does not have”

2 Corinthians 8:12.

Faith Focused Finances

Ø      Assessment of a congregation’s funding,

Ø      Budget planning for individuals/families.

Sessions on the above topics will be held late September 2007 in the Sussex – Menomonee Falls area. If you have not received information regarding these sessions and would like to, please contact Pastor Dave Kehl from Adult Discipleship at 414-256-3277.

Find information on the WELS “Ministerial Education” and the WELS “Missions” Endowment Funds by calling 1-800-827-5482 or go to www.wels.net/mcg.

To God Be The Glory!