The North Wisconsin District (NWD) is a corporate body consisting of the various congregations of north Wisconsin and Upper Michigan that accept and remain true to the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments and the sound doctrine of the Book of Concord. Our district is independent in the administration of affairs that concern our district only, with the understanding that what is done here is in the best interests of the Synod. Our mission statement sums it up: “Encourage, network, and equip Lutheran congregations of the NWD—LCMS to vigorously make known the love of Christ.” To fulfill our mission, we in the NWD work to carry out the three following outcomes, reflecting priorities expressed by the 2019 convention: 1. Professional church workers have been encouraged, networked, and equipped to fulfill their calls and vocations. • Our 2022 district convention approved establishing a million-dollar endowment called “Labor of Love” to assist church workers with their student debt.
- Annually, we have shared around $100,000 in scholarships with future church workers.
- In the last triennium, NWD established a Wellness Worker Task Force to support church workers during the pandemic. NWD also shared a Grace Place book as a resource for personal or staff study.
- The district convention endorsed Set Apart to Serve with the hope of raising the need for all—church workers and laypersons—to encourage future church workers.
- A ministry safe sexual abuse awareness system was implemented by NWD schools.
- NWD participated in training future principals (FLAME) to combat a shortage of school leaders.
- A team ministry workshop was offered in 2020 and 2022 to explore best practices.
- Conferences were conducted for professional church workers, early childhood workers, principal academies, PALS, circuit visitors, and new workers.
2. Congregations have been encouraged, networked, and equipped to minister to the needs of all through Word and Sacrament. • Lay leader training was conducted to encourage, network, and equip congregation lay leaders.
- Office support gatherings were conducted to encourage, network, and equip those working in NWD church or school offices.
- Board training was provided to help church school boards understand their role and to help with planning. Different models of governance and how to transition were shared with boards.
- Adult gathering shared district information and equipped attendees to deal with daily issues.
- Lutheran Church Extension Fund continued to help fund congregation projects.
3. District ministry resources and aid have been identified, and resources have been deployed to collectively carry out Making Disciples for Life. • NWD continues to help support and fund campus, deaf, and chaplain ministries.
- NWD continues to support the work of a French African congregation started in Appleton, Wisconsin.
- NWD supports the work of LCMS mission work in Peru, participating two times a year in the FORO.
- Congregations receive mission mini grants for outreach in their communities.
Camp Luther celebrated 75 years of ministry in 2021. It continues to focus on Christ-centered community, relationships, servant leadership, and meaningful service for campers young and old. It provides opportunities for young counselors to live out and share the Gospel. It also encourages them to consider being church workers. Soli Deo Gloria