South Wisconsin District - LCMS

09/08/2026

Mercy in Action: LERT Training in La Crosse

When disasters strike, trained volunteers can bring practical help, a caring presence, and the comfort of Christ’s mercy to neighbors facing loss and uncertainty.

Faith Lutheran Church, 1407 Main Street in La Crosse, will host Basic Lutheran Early Response Team training on Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn to serve safely, responsibly, and compassionately following disasters in their communities, across Wisconsin, or throughout the nation.

LERT is part of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s disaster-response ministry. Its service flows from the mercy God first showed us in Jesus Christ. Having received His forgiveness and care, Christians are freed to bring consolation and practical assistance to neighbors in times of suffering.
Registration is due October 4. The $35 fee includes a manual, certificate, identification badge, and T-shirt. Register for the training, then pay online.

Please pray for those affected by disasters and consider becoming equipped to put Christ’s mercy into action. Questions may be directed to Rev. Greg Hovland at [email protected] or 414-464-8101.

09/07/2026

Brookfield Lutheran Launches MomCo

Brookfield Lutheran Church is launching Brookfield Lutheran MomCo this fall to encourage and equip mothers of young children. The first gathering will be Wednesday, September 16, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Motherhood brings profound joys, demanding responsibilities, and seasons when encouragement from other women is especially valuable. Through biblical teaching, conversation, support, and Christian fellowship, MomCo will help mothers build relationships with one another while pointing them to the forgiveness, strength, and life Christ gives.

Brookfield Lutheran’s mission is “Connecting People to Life in Jesus.” MomCo extends that mission beyond the congregation by welcoming mothers from Brookfield and surrounding communities. Participants will be encouraged in their vocations as mothers, women, and leaders while growing in their relationship with Jesus and His Church.

Learn more about the wider MomCo ministry, or register for Brookfield Lutheran MomCo. Please pray for the leaders and mothers who will gather, invite a mother who may need Christian encouragement, or register to become part of this new community.

09/06/2026

Lutheran Student Fellowship Welcomes Students Back
UW-Platteville

After a summer of jobs, internships, travel, rest, and time with family, students are returning to UW–Platteville—and Lutheran Student Fellowship is preparing to welcome them.

LSF will hosted a booth at Bridgefest on Sunday, August 30, from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. More than 60 student organizations participated in this annual welcome event outside Bridgeway Commons. LSF members will meet new students, invite them into Christian fellowship, and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The first weekly on-campus worship service of the academic year will be Wednesday, September 9, at 7:00 p.m. Weekly Bible study begins Monday, September 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the Markee Student Union. Through worship, Scripture, and fellowship, students receive Christ’s gifts and encourage one another as they study and live out their vocations.

Find Lutheran Student Fellowship on PioneerLink. Please pray for students returning to campus, connect an incoming UW–Platteville student with LSF, or support this South Wisconsin District campus ministry as it brings God’s Word to a new academic year.

09/05/2026

Gather, Serve, and Support Missions with LWML
Lutheran Women in Mission-SWD

Registration is still open for the 2026 Lutheran Women in Mission–South Wisconsin District Fall Retreat, September 25–26 at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc. Under the theme “Enough for Now,” participants will gather around God’s promise: “Be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5b).

Keynote speaker Sharla Fritz will help women consider the contentment found not in changing circumstances but in Christ’s faithful presence and provision. The retreat will also offer worship, Christian fellowship, servant events, and Gifts from the Heart opportunities. Find details and register through the LWML–SWD Fall Retreat page.

Before the retreat, join LWML’s Mission Possible Day on Tuesday, September 15. Gifts that day will support mission grants sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, and donations will be matched up to $10,000. Learn more about Mission Possible Day. Please pray for the retreat and mission-grant recipients, invite another woman to attend, register today, or make a Mission Possible Day gift.

09/05/2026

Operation Backpack: Sharing Christ's Love, One Backpack at a Time
Sheboygan County

On Saturday, August 8, LCMS congregations across Sheboygan County joined volunteers and community members for Operation Backpack. Organizers hoped to provide 150 backpacks and prepared 176. When more families arrived than expected, volunteers quickly assembled additional bags. By the end of the event and the days that followed, 196 children from 68 families had received backpacks and school supplies.

These numbers tell only part of the story. Each backpack offered an opportunity to welcome a family, encourage a child, and reflect the love first received from Christ. Families came from Sheboygan and communities throughout the region. After eight years, Operation Backpack has now distributed more than 1,000 backpacks.

We thank the Lord for this opportunity to serve our neighbors and for the congregations, donors, and volunteers whose faithful partnership made the day possible. Learn more about the LCMS Sheboygan County Hispanic Outreach. Please pray that these families will hear the Gospel, and consider helping collect supplies, assemble backpacks, volunteer, or give toward next year’s event.

09/04/2026

On Sunday, August 2, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Baraboo welcomed and inducted Vicar Matthew Rudowske. The congregation also welcomed his wife, Sarah, and their daughter, Ingrid, with an afternoon reception.

Through the support of the South Wisconsin District, Our Savior continues participating in the vicarage program. This partnership allows a seminary student to receive supervised ministry experience while helping the congregation proclaim the Gospel and serve its Baraboo neighbors. During the coming year, Vicar Rudowske will also plan and lead an outreach event designed to strengthen the congregation’s connection with its community.

Vicarage is a shared season of learning. Vicar Rudowske will grow through preaching, teaching, pastoral service, and encouragement from the congregation. Members, in turn, will study God’s Word, receive Christ’s gifts, and grow in faith alongside him.

Please pray for Vicar Rudowske and his family, for Our Savior’s members, and for neighbors who will hear the Gospel through this partnership. Consider encouraging or financially supporting the District’s work of preparing church workers and strengthening congregations.

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

On Sunday, August 2, St. Martini Lutheran Church rejoiced as Caralina, daughter of Carolyne and Henry, received the gift of Holy Baptism. Through water and His Word, God placed His name upon Caralina, joined her to Christ, and welcomed her into His family.

The occasion held special meaning for the congregation because Carolyne once attended St. Martini Lutheran School. There she learned the Christian faith and heard that Baptism is God’s gracious work and promise. Years later, she brought her own daughter to the same font to receive that gift. Both of Carolyne’s daughters have now been baptized at St. Martini, offering a joyful picture of the faith being taught and confessed across generations.

The congregation gives thanks that the Lord continues using St. Martini’s church and school ministries to plant His Word in young hearts and bring families to His gifts. Please pray that Caralina will grow in baptismal faith, surrounded by her family and Christ’s Church, and consider supporting Lutheran education that shares the Gospel with another generation.

09/03/2026

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09/02/2026

Three mothers currently make Refuge House their home. One loves watching television and talking about her children. Another has a contagious laugh that travels from room to room. The third approaches parenting with remarkable joy. Each woman and child is a unique person created in God’s image and is loved by Christ.

Through A Place of Refuge, these families receive safe housing, compassionate support, and opportunities to hear the Gospel several times each week. Those who participate in LifeWalk help sustain this care. On the other end of every registration, gift, and prayer are mothers and children receiving refuge while preparing for a more stable future.

Join LifeWalk on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Mequon. The day includes worship, lunch, walking, and a silent auction. Learn more at A Place of Refuge or email [email protected]. Please pray for the residents, register to walk, invite others, or make a gift supporting these mothers and children.