Dear Fellow Workers:
Once again we would like to provide you with an update of some of the things taking place on the synod scene.  Most importantly, as we think of the day by day, week by week, activities in our synod, let us not forget to thank God for the faithful preaching and teaching of his holy Word and the administration of the Sacraments that occurs.  The Holy Spirit is working in the hearts of many as his Means of Grace are put to use in our parishes and in our mission fields. 

Ordination and Installation
Candidate of Theology Daniel Finn was ordained and installed as pastor of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Iowa, on August 7. The Rev. William Finn, Dan’s brother who serves in Davenport, IA (WELS), preached the sermon; the Rev. Craig Ferkenstad served as liturgist; and the Rev. Wayne Halvorson performed the rites of ordination and installation.



Appointments
Rev. Larry Wentzlaff has been appointed as a temporary advisory member to the Board for Evangelism. The Evangelism Board has asked for more assistance in carrying our its duties.

Mr. Lyle Fahning has been appointed as a temporary advisory member to the Board of Regents of Bethany Lutheran College and Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary.

Hurricane Katrina
Our prayers ascend to the heavenly Father on behalf of all who are suffering in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Gospel of Christ ultimately is the real help and hope for all who encounter suffering, and we ask that God would use this epic tragedy to work soul-saving results in his kingdom.

There are several WELS congregations in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, including a congregation in the city of New Orleans. The WELS Committee of Relief already has begun its efforts to help people in the affected areas.

If members in our synod wish to contribute financially to the relief efforts, they may direct their gifts to: ELS Hurricane Relief, 6 Browns Court, Mankato, MN 56001. We will then transmit the funds collectively to the WELS Committee on Relief.

Resignation
The Rev. Robert Lawson, Sr., has resigned from his pastorate at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Audubon, Minnesota on August 16, 2004.

Rev. Victor Settje has resigned his call as pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Yelm, Washington. His resignation is for personal reasons.  Pastor Glenn Obenberger will be serving the congregation as interim pastor.

Colloquy Planned
The Rev. James D. Wilson who serves Resurrection Lutheran (independent) in Coos Bay, OR, has applied for colloquy in order to be certified as an ELS pastor. Pastor Wilson has left the LCMS for confessional reasons. Any correspondence regarding this application may be directed to my office.

2005 Synod Reports
The 2005 Synod Report is now available. Please note the address corrections to the new Synod Report near the end of this newsletter. Additional copies can be ordered at a cost of $8.50 from:
Bethany Lutheran College Bookstore
700 Luther Drive
Mankato MN 56001

ELS Bright Spots
With the acceptance of the home mission call by Rev. David Russow and with the recent purchase of land, the Board for Home Missions is eager to move forward with its exploratory work in the area of Rogers/Otsego, MN.  If you know of any names of people interested in worship services in the NW Minneapolis metro area, please contact Pastor Russow at 763-546-3131.

Big event:  Preschool is open at Family of God!  Pastor Wentzlaff reports that ten students are enrolled in their school for this fall.

The ELS Board for Foreign Missions has arranged a lease agreement for worship facilities in Seoul, South Korea.  Pastor Young Ha Kim already has gathered a number of people together for regular Bible classes.  The board is continuing to explore work in South Korea with the view toward eventual formal approval of it as a new mission field of the ELS.

LSA Planning
On August 25 the LSI Ad Hoc Committee met with representatives of the Synod Review Committee to discuss the anticipated formation of the Board for Lutheran Schools of America. 
LSA President Michael Butterfield has indicated his desire to use Rev. Ed Bryant as his educational consultant in developing a curriculum for future LSA schools.  Please forward any ideas/questions/concerns to Mike at the following email address:  mbutterfield(at)LSAELS.org

Report from the Treasurer
Keith Wiederhoeft tells us that congregational contributions have totaled $416,256 through the month of July.  The amount still needed to meet our budget by the year’s end is: $348,743.  At this point in time (through July) we are approximately $20,000 ahead of last year’s giving. 

Note from the Board for Stewardship
As our congregations make budgeting plans for this upcoming year, please keep in mind the encouragement to submit projected subscriptions to the synod.  Last year we had one of our best years for participation!  Let’s see if we can build on this and exceed the number of congregations sending in these voluntary reports.  Please contact Rev. Mark Rogers (prrogers(at)discover-net.net) who serves as the secretary for the board.

Circuit Visitors
On September 22 & 23 the Circuit Visitors from our 12 circuits will gather in Burnsville, MN, for their annual meeting.  These meetings are very beneficial for our synod.  At this year’s conference the following items are on the agenda:  “Reflections on Serving as a Circuit Visitor” by Rev. Fred Theiste; “”Caring for Pastors” by Rev. Bill Stehr;  and “Doctrinal Statements of the ELS” by Rev. Glenn Obenberger.

Pictures from the 2005 ELS National Youth Convention at Boston University in Boston, MA
Three hundred students in additions to a large number of counselors were in attendance.  The subject for the convention was:  “I’m But a Stranger Here.”




 

 
Prayer Requests
Rev. Henry Gieschen recently received a liver transplant and is recovering. Pastor Gieschen serves our congregation in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Please remember him in your prayers.

Roger Thompson, father of Pastor David Thompson was called to heaven on August 17. We pray for the family in their time of loss.

Hugh Arthur Brooks, son of Rev. Matthew and Rebecca Brooks, was taken to heaven on August 20.  Our hearts and prayers go out on behalf of the Brooks.

Address Changes
Redeemer Lutheran Church
PO Box 95
Iola WI 54945-0095

Robert Harting: r.harting(at)mchsi.com

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (beginning September 25)
Park Square Manor Retirement
6990 10th St
Avon IN
Mail: 901 Pine Ridge Way, Brownsburg IN 46112

Wayne Borgwardt: 011-380-44-521-1320

Ernie Geistfeld: egeist(at)hickorytech.net

Light of Life Lutheran Church
mail: 540 Chestnut Dr, Oswego, IL 60543


Trinity Lutheran Church, Brewster, MA is served by the Rev. Michael Langlais, Ph.D.  Pictured here with Pastor Langlais is long time member Mr. Paul Chamberlain who serves on our synod’s Board of Regents.  In 1946 a preaching station was established on Cape Cod, and in 1973 the congregation officially joined the synod as a member congregation.

Address Changes – you received these changes last month but should also note the updates in your 2005 Synod Report which arrived during the last month

Rev. Gregory Haugen
8482 Liberty School Road
Omro WI 54963
920-685-0319
gregjhaugen(at)yahoo.com

Rev. Ernest Geistfeld: 507-386-1598

Mr. Michael Butterfield: mbutterfield(at)LSAELS.org

Rev. Robert Lawson, Sr.: rlawson(at)arvig.net

President’s Activities
September 8-15––Riga, Latvia and Plzen, Czech Republic
September 16—Doctrine Committee and WELS CICR
September 21—Presidium’s Committee on Ministry
September 22-23—Circuit Visitors’ Conference
October 4-6—General Pastoral Conference
October 9—Our Savior’s, Elderon, Wisconsin (Mission Festival)
October 12-14—Board for Education and Youth
October 23—Bethany, Port Orchard, Washington (Anniversary Service)
October 24-25––Board of Regents
October 27-28—Reformation Lectures at BLC

May the Lord's richest blessings be with you in Christ the Savior,

John A. Moldstad, president