Cultivating Hopeful Endurance:

A Holistic Approach to Wellness

Living in a fallen world comes with hardship. Be it the accumulation of stress or the acute storms of life, the results are often painful, isolating, and distressing. At our District Called Worker Conference this fall, Dr. Benjamin Kohls will walk us through five distinctive sessions that aim to support your mental wellness, deepen the connections between your mental and spiritual health, and give you some useful wellness practices that are rooted in a Christian worldview. In addition, there will be uplifting worship and time for fun and fellowship with your fellow called workers. Join us this October for a conference that will not only feed your faith, but also give you some practical tools to navigate the stressors of your ministry.

• Session 1: Connecting Mental and Spiritual Wellness - Part 1

• Session 2: Connecting Mental and Spiritual Wellness - Part 2

• Session 3: An Exploration of Values

• Session 4: Contemplative Practices and Behavioral Action

• Session 5: Setting Intentions - Wellness Plans

The deadline to register for the conference and to reserve your room at Hammock Beach Resort is Friday, September 13th.

We are in the midst of the largest religious shift in US history: approximately 40 million adults (15% of the national adult population) have left the church in the past 25 years. The changes to our spiritual landscape have left many Christians despairing or confused. 

God’s promises, however, move us Ahead with Courage. We live in a world that has increasing numbers of people who need the soul-saving message we have to share. Our district convention this summer will not only give you the opportunity to consider the world before us, hear about the work being done, and consider new ways you can share the Gospel in this new spiritual landscape, but you will leave encouraged and fortified with God’s promises so that you can continue Ahead with Courage! 

This year, our convention will feature an essay by Pastor Erik Janke that will seek to analyze our current situation, provide encouragement through Christ’s promises, and call Christians to make an impact through their vocations. You will be lifted by God’s Word through numerous, vibrant worship opportunities. You will be encouraged by your fellow believers as we share fellowship time together.

You are invited to the 2024 South Atlantic District Convention. It is once again being held at Innisbrook Golf Resort in Palm Harbor, FL. To register for this year’s convention and to make your hotel reservations, use the links below.

Theme: Mercy Ministry / Community Service

Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:10 NIV)  For many, the word “compassion” in the context of ministry conjures up images of soup kitchens or clothing banks. For others, “compassion” ministry evokes the false theology of the social gospel. Through our study and discussions at our gathering, we will dive into looking at what a culture of compassion and community service can look like in our unique settings - from impoverished to affluent areas.

Presentations: 

• Pastor Nathan Loersch will lead us in a study of “Cultivating a Culture of Compassion: The Opportunity is Ours”- WLS Symposium paper by Pastor Ryan Kolander

• Pastor Cale Mead will lead a book discussion of "What Every Church Member Should Know about Poverty" by Bill Ehlig and Ruby Payne.  

• Pastor Eric Melso will moderate a roundtable discussion of mercy ministry and community service. Panelists will be Pastors Lucas Bitter, Nathan Loersch, and Keith Schleis - all of whom have an active mercy ministry / community service ministry at their church. 

Agenda:

Presentations and Reports:

Focus of Conference: Anthropology and Technology

Anthropology may be the critical theological loci of the next century. This is seen easily in the transgender movement or the cultural debates on sexuality. Knowing what to make of the body, though, and how to impact the soul through it is a vast question that the Church now faces in special force because of recent technological gains. This conference will begin to give that question attention. Together we will ponder questions like: What is happening with someone who "worships online?" Is enfleshed gathering necessary to the life of the Church and, if so, how essential? What are forms of delivering the Word through technology that edify the body of Christ? What might they look like in the future? What might we shy away from? In short, what does it mean for Lutherans with Christological (read incarnation here) and sacramental commitments to make use of technology without its potentially dehumanizing effects?

This November, the Blue Ridge and Azalea circuits invite you to our multi circuit meeting. It will take place Monday - Tuesday, November 13-14 at Illumine in Rock Hill, SC.

At this circuit meeting, there will be opportunities to glean and grow from sermon and Bible study resources. We are also building in time to golf and enjoy time with the brothers. (You can ride along and enjoy the fun even if you prefer not to golf.) 

To register, follow this two-step process:

1. Go to Illlumine's giving page. Select "Pastor Conference November 2023." The conference fee is $30 and will cover lunches and snacks. And if you would be so kind, our Rock Hill brothers and sisters kindly asked that paying with your bank account will help save some money on fees. 

2. Go to the local Hilton's page and reserve your room.

On behalf of the two circuits, we hope you can join us. 

God bless,
Caleb Kurbis & Brian Pechman

Conference Overview

Shaping Culture and Helping Kids: Identity, Core Values, and SEL

The last few years have put schools and kids through the ringer. Our Wednesday plenary session will delve into ways to shape school culture to support the emotional learning of our students.

Teamwork: Making the Dream Work

Educating students has gotten more complex, causing teachers to have to work harder than ever within a structure that is traditionally isolating. By focusing our work and working as a team, we can more effectively minister to the needs of all our students. Join with educators from around the South Atlantic District as the presenters share strategies and tools to take small, practical steps in setting up your collaborative work with a focus on enhancing student learning.

If you haven’t heard him speak on this before, listen to a few minutes of Jon Hein’s observations of the 2022 WELS statistical report which he shared with the synod convention delegates HERE. This is a time for cultivating a spirit of personal witnessing among our people.

WELS Director for the Commission on Evangelism, Pastor Eric Roecker, will be with us in Aiken, October 16-18. He will share with us the top 10 predictive factors in conversion growth and the Pastor’s role in building outreach culture, along with a taste of what “Everyone Outreach” would look like for your congregation.

Conference Resources

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Beverly Hills, FL, is hosting this year’s 2023 Fall Cypress Conference, which begins on Monday, Sept. 25th at 10:00am and concludes with lunch at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, Sept. 26th.

View the Conference Agenda
View the Local Host Letter

Fellow called workers - 

We are excited to invite you to the 2023 Continuing Education Conference to be held June 12-15 in Doral, FL. We have put together a selection of seven courses that will prove to be a benefit to you and your ministry.

As a result of our hotel canceling our contract in late 2022 due to hurricane damage, we had to scramble to find a second location to host our conference. Our brothers and sisters at Divine Savior in Doral stepped up not only to host our conference, but through member contacts, secure rooms at the Trump National Resort only a few miles from Divine Savior.

All of the information you will need to register for the conference, set up your hotel reservation, and select your course are located on the conference webpage - just click the “Conference Registration” button above or below.

We are looking forward to seeing many of you in June and growing with you in God's Word! 

Called Worker Conferences Planning Team

course Options

Join us for the annual SuperCircuit meeting hosted by Our Savior Lutheran Church in Birmingham, AL. This year’s topics include:

To find out more and to register, go to the Conference webpage:

Dear fellow workers in God’s kingdom,

Life happened. Ever hear someone say that? They might use it to describe a frustrating moment that occurred in life, or as an excuse for why something else didn’t get done. You know, life happened. The struggles and hardships of life here on earth tend to not only frustrate us, but can easily stress us out, wear us out, and burn us out. How do we deal with it? 

The Program Committee of is excited to share with you the details for our upcoming Called Worker Conference. For a few short days in October, we will gather together to be encouraged in God’s Word and strengthened for our daily fight against all the stressors in “life” and ministry. Our plenary speakers, Prof. Mark Paustian, Pres. Earle Treptow, and Dr. Erik Landwehr, will point us back to our Savior and his word to encourage us in our growth in faith.

An agenda for our conference is available below. There will be time allotted for district reports as well as time for some encouragement from our District President. In addition, we have intentionally provided generous time for you to enjoy the resort, connect with one another in a relaxed environment, and perhaps discuss some of the great content that will be shared with you. 

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS:

We will have the opportunity to listen to three excellent presenters in a number of plenary sessions at our conference. 

• Professor Mark Paustian (MLC) – “The Wellness Found in Christ Alone”  Mark will be pleased to pour a tall glass of cool gospel water in the form of an essay centered on Romans chapter eight. Time is built in for unhurried, unscripted reflection among sisters and brothers.

• President Earle Treptow (WLS)

• Dr. Erik Landwehr (DSA) – “Unique Fixer Upper Opportunity!” Each of us is kind of a mess, as is every other person on the planet.  We will use some stories, God's Word, and some questions to help us dig into the mess a little bit and, Lord-willing, come out a bit stronger on the other side.”

We are excited for this conference.  We pray that we are able to come together this October to be mutually encouraged and strengthened around God’s Word.  We are confident this conference and the presenters will be a rich blessing to you and your respective ministries.

The Conference Planning Committee

Teacher Sarah Crass   (Christ our Savior – Columbia, TN)

Teacher Abby Molina   (Divine Savior – Doral, FL)

Teacher Ryan Loberger (Divine Savior - Doral, FL)

Teacher Zach Seeger  (Abiding Peace - Simpsonville, SC)

Pastor Ben Zahn,  (Amazing Grace – Myrtle Beach, SC)

Pastor Ben Kratz, Conference Chairman  (Our Savior – Birmingham, AL)

WHO: Youth entering grades 4-9. Please note: each church must provide one like-gendered chaperone for every 5 like-gendered youth!
WHAT: The most fun you’ll have this summer. Incredible activities (tough mudder, zip line, inflatables, massive group competitions), next-level worship, and more new friends than you can count.
WHERE: Georgia FFA Camp, just outside of Atlanta.
720 FFA FHA Camp Rd. Covington, GA 30014
WHEN: July 25-29, 2022

HOW: Estimated cost is $295 per attendee. Payment and travel will be coordinated through your local WELS church in early June.

QUESTIONS: Contact Director David Starr (pastor@mflc.tv)

TO REGISTER: https://southatlanticyouth.com/camp-south

INFORMATION PACKET/SCHEDULE available HERE

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT available HERE

Royal people. Momentous Purpose. We are here and now “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

Esther’s life was riveting. God’s love for her was amazing. God’s work through her was powerful. Esther was a royal woman who served a momentous purpose. We serve a momentous purpose too! Like Esther, our lives are riveting because of God’s amazing love and God’s powerful work. We are his royal people prepared, placed, and serving Here and Now for such a time as this.

Join us as a family of believers at the 2022 WELS International Youth Rally!

Registration runs March 8–May 31
$375 early-bird rate for full payment until April 30
$395 May 1–31

The 2022 South Atlantic District Convention will be held on June 7-9, 2022, at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Course in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Registration materials and event information are available on the Convention Webpage.

The address of the Convention is:
36750 US Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Join us for our annual SuperCircuit meeting hosted by Our Savior Lutheran Church in Birmingham, AL.

This year’s topics/discussions include:

• Pastor Jonathan Neumann will walk us through a text study on the Easter 5, Year C Gospel: John 13:31-35.

• Pastor Eric Janke will lead a discussion on the book A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life - a book that was recommended to us by Prof. Mark Paustian at our last Cottonbelt conference. (You can click the title to go the Amazon listing)

• Pastor Andrew Stuebs will give us some options on how we can put the materials we received from Prof. Paustian to work in our ministries.

• If there is interest, we can schedule a golf outing on Monday morning.

Hotel Information

We have a block of rooms reserved at the Hyatt Place Birmingham Inverness. Cut-off date for reservations is April 11th. Room rate is Room Rate: $119.00 plus 14% tax and $2.00 Hoover Lodging Fee. Hotel address is:

Hyatt Place Birmingham Inverness

4686 Hwy 280 East

Birmingham, AL

Phone:(205) 995-9242

To set up your reservation online:

• Click the “Room Reservation” button below

• Click “Book Now”

• Enter arrival/departure dates 5/2-5/3 (enter 5/1 if you are planning on coming early to golf)

• You can now book your reservation

To call to set up your reservation:

• Phone:  (888) 591-1234

• Group Name:  Our Savior Lutheran Church

• Group Code:  G-OSLR

Ascension is privileged to host you all for the winter Cypress Conference on Monday/Tuesday, January 24th–25th. We are looking forward to the time together, and to hearing Professor Nass’ presentation. The conference will begin on Monday at 10:00am and conclude with lunch at 12:00 noon on Tuesday. There will be snacks, soda, and juices provided during the entire conference. Please see the enclosed agenda for more specific details.

For your overnight accommodations we have selected Carlisle Inn, (click here for an overview) located just around the corner, less than a mile from Ascension. The price for the room is $189.00 a night. We have reserved a block of 20 standard double queen rooms (2 queen beds in each room). You must call (844) 369-2275 by 12/23 to reserve your room at the discounted rate. When you call, please let the agent know you are “with Ascension Lutheran Church”, or use code ASL122. I've attached the hotel brochure for reference. A hot breakfast is complimentary for all guests.

Following the communion service on Monday night at 7:00pm, our current plan is to provide you with a catered supper, and then time afterward for some Gemuetlichkeit in our fellowship hall. We are also tentatively planning to have a single room at the hotel to serve as a hospitality room. It likely won’t be big enough for everyone to gather in, but will serve as a base for snacks and treats for later in the evening on Monday, or for snacks first thing in the morning on Tuesday.

For lunch on Tuesday, we will accommodate those who may like to eat before they leave OR those who may prefer to grab a lunch and go. In order to have a lunch ready to go, you must let us know by January 17th. Simply email the church (church at ascensionwels.org) with “To Go Lunch please” or “NO LUNCH” in the subject line and your name in the email. Otherwise we will plan for you eat at Ascension at noon. If you have any special dietary needs please be sure to let us know.

Theme: Overhearing the Gospel

We welcome Dr. Mark Paustian as our presenter for our conference. In a presentation that builds out of his doctoral work, he will be presenting under the theme: “Overhearing the Gospel.” The conference will include a session that will feature an extended case study in indirect biblical communication. It is the hope that attendees will learn to ask new questions of the biblical text and walk away with a Bible study they can duplicate in their context.

Hotel Information

Both double queens and single kings are $100/night. To make your hotel reservation, call the hotel directly at (423) 587-0952 and ask for the group booking and rates for "Cottonbelt Conference." Rooms and rates will be held until December 13th. The website for the hotel can be found here: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mtwtnhx-hampton-morristown/

Dear Coworkers in Christ,

It’s no secret COVID-19 has created a vacuum in our lives and ministry.  Social separation has put distance between us, the people we serve, and those we work alongside.  We lost the opportunity this past summer for connection and fellowship with the cancellation of District Convention.  Our purpose, however, isn’t to lament our losses but to emphasize the importance and the blessing of gathering together.  Fall Called Worker Conference gives us the opportunity to do just that!

In that spirit and with that purpose, the Program Committee is excited to share with you the details for our upcoming Called Worker Conference.  We gather to encourage one another in the face of some very challenging and timely topics related to God’s gift of gender and the callings connected to it.  We’ve also scheduled time for pastoral encouragement from our District President.

Agenda:

Conference Presentations:

• Plenary Sessions

  • Professor Paul Wendland (WLS) – “Transgenderism”

  • President Dan Johnson (WLC) – “Human Sexuality Issues facing Institutions”

  • Pastor John Boggs (Divine Savior Church - West Palm Beach) - “What to Make of All This? How WELS Called Workers Can Effectively Minister in a Confusing and Sexually Changing Society”

• Breakout Sessions

  • President Dan Johnson and Professor Paul Wendland will conduct breakout sessions that take a deeper dive into the material they presented on Wednesday.  In addition, they are looking forward to providing answers to your questions related to their specific topics.

“We have decided to cancel the in person conference in January.  We apologize for the disappointment and frustration this may cause as time together in the Word and with brothers is more critical now than ever.  However, while not being paralyzed by fear, there are practical considerations that have led us to believe that it would be wiser not to meet as a conference in January.

Here are some of the factors that have led us to believe that this is the best course of action:

The number of men coming from all over Florida and the duration together would seemingly increase risks of spreading infection to ourselves and--subsequently--to the health compromised individuals that we regularly see in our congregations.

We don’t know what will happen with the virus and further outbreaks coupled with this winter's flu season which makes planning for travel, meals, lodging, and presentations problematic.

There are concerns of scandalizing our congregations and pastors for attending a large group, long duration event; particularly if it were to be viewed as a "spreader event."

The fellowship opportunities such as Gemutlichkeit and meals would be greatly hindered if we were to follow CDC safety precautions and guidelines.

We realize that there could be many unable to attend due to quarantines and safety concerns further handcuffing fellowship opportunities together.

In the absence of this conference we urge you to be extra diligent in spurring one another on by staying connected to the Means of Grace, to your brothers, and to your circuit.  While we are not meeting as a large group, January may be a great time to focus on fellowship within your circuit as circumstances allow.”

Brother Rosenau, St. Mark - Leesburg

Brother Free, Risen Savior – Bradenton

Brother Kruschel, Living Savior - Valrico

It’s no secret COVID-19 has created a vacuum in our lives and ministry. Social separation has put distance between us, the people we serve, and those we work alongside. We lost the opportunity this past summer for connection and fellowship with the cancellation of District Convention. Our purpose, however, isn’t to lament our losses but to emphasize the importance and the blessing of gathering together.

Our Fall Called Worker Conference gives us the opportunity to do just that. In that spirit and with that purpose, the Program Committee is excited to share with you the details for our upcoming Called Worker Conference. We gather to encourage one another in the face of some very challenging and timely topics related to God’s gift of gender and the callings connected to it. We’ve also scheduled time for pastoral encouragement from our District President. A listing of the Plenary and Breakout Sessions, with descriptions, is available below. In addition, we have intentionally provided generous time for you to enjoy the resort and connect with one another in a relaxed environment.

REGISTRATION

Registration opens on Saturday, August 1st, and runs through Wednesday, September 16th. All conference attendees must register individually. All registration and hotel booking (with credit card payment) will be online at that link. Do not contact The Hammock Resort to book your hotel room. If you have questions, you can reach the Planning Committee at conference@sa.wels.net. If your spouse is planning to accompany you (and isn’t a Called Worker), please register your spouse as a guest on the form.

FEES

There is a Registration Fee of $175. This includes the costs for conference expenses, presenter costs, Wednesday evening fellowship, Thursday's catered lunch, Friday morning’s continental breakfast, and water & coffee throughout the conference. If a married couple attends and the spouse is not participating in the conference, there is a $75 fee to cover food and fellowship costs.

AGENDA

A copy conference agenda and schedule can be found using the button below.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS:

Plenary Sessions

• President Earle Treptow (WLS) - “Bible Study on the Callings of Male and Female”

• Professor Paul Wendland (WLS) – “Transgenderism”

• President Dan Johnson (WLC) – “Human Sexuality Issues facing our Institution”

Breakout Sessions

• President Earle Treptow & Professor Paul Wendland will conduct breakout sessions that take a deeper dive into the material they presented on Wednesday. In addition, they are looking forward to providing answers to your questions related to their specific topics.

• District President Chuck Westra will present a Bible Study to the Called Workers on the privilege to serve in the ministry and our work together. We are excited for this conference. We pray that we are able to come together this October to be mutually encouraged and strengthen around God’s Word. We are confident this conference and the presenters will be a rich blessing to you and your respective ministries.

WHO: Youth entering grades 4-9.
WHAT: The most fun you’ll have this summer. Incredible activities (tough mudder, zip line, inflatables, massive group competitions), next-level worship, and more new friends than you can count.
WHERE: Georgia FFA Camp, just outside of Atlanta.
720 FFA FHA Camp Rd.
Covington, GA 30014
WHEN: Arrive on Monday, July 20th between 2:30-5:30pm. Head home at 11am on Friday, July 24th.
HOW: Registration will be here soon and talk to your local WELS church about payment & travel.

DUE TO THE ONGOING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, THIS YEAR’S INTERNATIONAL YOUTH RALLY HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Location: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Date: June 23-26, 2020
Registration Information:
Registration runs March 2-May 29

• $375 early-bird rate until April 30

• $395 May 1-May 29

HIGHLIGHTS

• See yourself through the lens of Christ’s love

• Learn how to serve Christ boldly

• Hang out with 2,000 peers who share your faith

• Listen to speakers with stories of faith and hope from around the world

• Experience lifting your voice in worship with thousands

• Attend a variety of workshops with a biblical perspective on timely teen topics

• Enjoy workshops run by UT recreational staff

• Consider excursion opportunities (additional fee): Anakeesta Theme Park, river tubing, paintball, and more.

DUE TO THE ONGOING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, THIS YEAR’S DISTRICT CONVENTION HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

DUE TO THE ONGOING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, THIS YEAR’S SUPERCIRCUIT GATHERING HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Communicating the Faith

This year’s Super Circuit will be held on Monday, April 27th through Tuesday, April 28th at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Birmingham, AL. This year’s Super Circuit will feature:

Text/Sermon Study: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 - Pentecost 6 (New Lectionary)

Bible Class: Turn-Key Romans Bible Class with promo materials

Book Review: Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism

3 Things you need to do…

1. Click the hotel reservations button below to book your room. You will be staying at the Hyatt Place/Inverness, about 10 minutes from church. The block of rooms is being held until April 13th. If you prefer to give them a phone call, Call: 888-591-1234, reference, "Our Savior Lutheran Church"

2. Click the “Conference Registration/Lunch” to pay the $10 conference fee and make your lunch selection.

3. Order a copy of “Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism” by Timothy Keller (you can use the button below) and read it ahead of time.

DUE TO THE ONGOING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, THIS YEAR’S MULTI-CIRCUIT GATHERING HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

This gathering provides an opportunity to more broadly discuss the male/female paper that was recently shared. This location encourages our brothers who are outside our district to the north to attend. And although this gathering is meant to augment the “Super Circuit” and not replace it, this provides an option for those who might not be able to attend the other.

No doctrine of Scripture is easy. Sure, we might have understood some from a very early age, but none of us can grasp the things from the Spirit without the Spirit. Our sinful nature always makes God’s Word difficult. That’s all it can do. Add to that this sinful world which creates cultures and mantras that make certain doctrines all-the-more difficult. This gathering intends to discuss the recent paper shared on the maleness and femaleness. All attendees are encouraged to have read both the paper and the corresponding Bible study. Although this topic will take the majority of our time, worship and the sermon will be a worship service tailored for later in the Easter season in order to aid the sermon preparer. A Bible study will also be shared as a resource for future use.

LODGING: Click the button below to download the information.

With the agenda for this conference starting with worship at 9:00 am on Monday, April 20, we are encouraging those who attend to arrive sometime on Sunday, April 19. We hope you can then join our group for dinner at the Sierra Nevada Brewery at 7:00 pm on Sunday.

The Haywood Park Hotel is a four-star hotel in the heart of downtown Asheville (https://www.haywoodpark.com). They have set aside a block of ten rooms for us at a terrific price that includes breakfast as well as a waiver on the cost of parking your vehicle.

$129 per night  --  double queen room / $119 per night  --  king bed with fold out

To make your reservation, call 828-252-2522 and ask for the “Living Savior Church” rate. If you are sharing a room, kindly provide that name when you call. Our block of rooms will be released on March 31.

WHO: South Atlantic District 5th-8th grade school students who would like to learn more about our worker training system and/or are interested in attending Luther Preparatory School.

WHEN: March 5-8, 2020

WHAT: A 4-day trip led by Pastor Brian Pechman.

This trip includes the opportunity for our South Atlantic group to participate in the LPS Co-Ed Basketball tournament.

• Thursday, March 5th (Arrive at MKE by 12:00 pm)- Tour Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Tour WELS Center for Mission & Ministry, welcome, stay overnight at LPS & enjoy a taste of dorm life

• Friday, March 6th – BB Tournament, "Phoenix-for-a-Morning", tours, food, and fun, stay overnight at LPS

• Saturday, March 7th – BB Tournament, snow sledding, food, and fun, stay overnight at LPS.

• Sunday, March 8th – Church, LPS Sacred Spring Concert, head to the airport and fly home (depart MKE after 5:30 pm)

WHERE: Luther Prep School (1300 Western Ave., Watertown, WI 53094)

COST: The cost of the trip is the student’s round-trip flight to Milwaukee Airport (MKE) MINUS $150 reimbursement given by South Atlantic District Youth Fund. All of the meals, lodging, activities, and travel in WI are covered by LPS and the South Atlantic District Youth Fund. The South Atlantic District Youth Fund will also cover $100 off the cost of any accompanying parent or chaperone’s flight.

DEADLINE: Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 5th. Click here to register.

In Titus chapter 2, Paul teaches women how to encourage other women. That is why BIND exists— for women to be encouraged by one another and be nourished by the Word.

The BIND retreat will be hosted at the Read House in Chattanooga, TN, February 21-23, 2020.
The weekend will include time spent in the living Word, group breakout sessions to compliment the scripture studied, praising Him with our voices, attending church together at our Chattanooga mission church and, of course, lots of yummy food.
We are thrilled for the opportunity to engage with the Word as taught by highly sought after WELS women’s blogger and retreat speaker, Marilyn Sievert.
Singer/songwriter Tracy Fedke will heighten our musical experience by sharing her unmatched gift.

The basics:
• Who: WELS women high school age and older
• When: February 21-23 (Friday 3-5:00pm Registration -- Sunday 11:00am)
• Where: The Read House, Chattanooga, TN www.thereadhousehotel.com

Registration includes:
• 2 nights at The Read House (based on double occupancy)
• Admission to all the sessions
• 4 meals
• A closing dinner banquet with wine and dessert
• Digital copies of photos from the weekend
• Lasting memories

Registration:
October 1, 2019- December 25, 2019 — $350
December 26, 2019 -January 25, 2020 — $400

Please reach out with any questions at bind.wels@gmail.com

WHO: South Atlantic District 5th-8th grade school students who would like to learn more about our worker training system and/or are interested in attending Michigan Lutheran Seminary.

WHEN: February 13th-17th, 2020
WHAT: A 4-day trip led by Pastor Harmon Lewis. This year, we’ve scheduled the trip around a Lutheran elementary school basketball tournament.

• Thursday, February 13th (Arrive at DTW before 8:00pm)- Welcome, stay overnight at MLS & enjoy a taste of dorm life

• Friday, February 14th – LES BB Tournament, classes, tours, watch varsity boys and girls basketball games, food and fun, stay overnight at MLS

• Saturday, February 15th – LES BB Tournament, snow sledding, food and fun, stay overnight at MLS.

• Sunday, February 16th – MLS Concert Choir at Holy Scripture, Midland, Tony's Restaurant, Splash Village Waterpark

• Monday, February 17th – Head to airport and fly home (Depart DTW before 11:00am)
  

WHERE: Michigan Lutheran Seminary (2777 Hardin St, Saginaw, MI 48602)

COST: The cost of the trip is the student’s round-trip flight to Detroit Airport (DTW) MINUS $150 reimbursement given by South Atlantic District Youth Fund. All of the meals, lodging, activities, and travel in MI are covered by MLS and the South Atlantic District Youth Fund. The South Atlantic District Youth Fund will also cover $100 off the cost any accompanying parent or chaperone’s flight. (Currently Delta Air has a flight from Atlanta for $219 round trip.)

DEADLINE: Registration deadline is February 1st. 

Who: all youth ages 11-18 (high school and middle school)

What: Southern Ski Weekend - a weekend of winter fun

Where: Ober Gatlinburg in Gatlinburg, TN

When: Friday, January 31st – Sunday February 2nd

The Plan:

• The weekend begins on Friday evening with games and fellowship.

• On Saturday, youth will have the option of skiing, snowboarding, or tubing at Ober Gatlinburg, as well as a variety of other winter games and activities.

• Saturday evening is an opportunity for Bible Study and Sunday morning all gather together for worship and a scavenger hunt.

Cost: $170 - $200 depending on the activities chosen. This is an all-inclusive cost with activities, lodging, a t-shirt and meals for the entire weekend.

Registration Deadline: January 1st

More Information: www.SouthernSkiWeekend.com

Contact Info:

• Matt Westra at 423-438-3033 / PastorMWestra@gmail.com

• Caleb Kurbis at 828-424-0065 / PastorKurbis@gmail.com

If you have not attended in the past, we would love for you to think about attending this year. It provides your youth with an opportunity to get together with other churches outside the summer months. We have also worked very hard at negotiating the very best deals to provide this experience at a great price. We have watched this event grow to almost 200 youth and we would love to see your congregation join us. Please consider sharing this event with any youth leaders or parents in the congregation as well.