Lent 2024 Resource
Knowing that this is a busy time for leaders and congregations, we have created a simple resource that can be used for mid-week Lenten worship services or for personal or group devotions. Below is a brief description of the series, titled, “Making a Way Out of No Way.” Links to access the resource are below.
“Every year seems to bring with it greater and greater challenges for congregations and their leaders. Many are struggling with the changed ministry landscape in the aftermath of the pandemic. Some are seeing resources dwindling and are unsure of what the future holds. It is a challenging time to be a leader, a church member, or anyone who cares deeply about the church.
This year’s Lenten resource uses “Making a Way Out of No Way” as a guiding theme. The opening litany borrows from Isaiah 43:19 “I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” The stories for each week all find a thread of God making a way where no way seems to be, whether because it feels hopeless or because the person God chose tries to run away or because we feel we have nothing to offer.”
God bless you as you prepare for this busy and holy season.
Rev. Jen Christenson (she/her/hers)
Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy and Community
2024 Synod Assembly Resolution Information
The 2024 South-Central Synod of Wisconsin Synod Assembly will be held on May 18, 2024 at First Lutheran Church in Janesville. As we prepare for the Assembly, resolutions and memorials are now being accepted. Below we have provided for you an information sheet that includes guidelines for how to write a resolution or memorial, as well as how to tell the difference between the two. Also included is the template you can use to draft your resolution.
Please note that resolutions and memorials must be submitted to the synod office by March 4, 2024 to receive consideration at this year’s assembly.
Resolutions and memorials can be emailed to the SCSW Synod Assembly Manager, Trevor Thom, at trevort@scsw-elca.org.
Questions regarding resolutions should be directed to the chairperson of the Reference and Counsel Committee, Mr. Gus Knitt, at knitt1957@netscape.net.
Guidelines for Submitting Resolutions & Memorials (PDF)
Resolution/Memorial Template (Word DOC)
Pastoral Supply List
Pastoral Supply List provides an updated listing of the names of pastors & rostered lay leaders available for supply preaching and worship leadership when a called rostered minister is absent. Visit the pulpit supply page to learn more and for our current list of available ministers.
2024 Annual Meeting Resources
Below you will find resources for your congregation 2023 Annual Reports for use at 2024 Annual Meetings:
Congregational Financial Reporting Resources
Remittance Form & Mission Support Letter of Intent for congregational treasurers – Each congregation has a congregational ID number to include on this form. It is important to include the remittance form with each remittance to the synod office.
2024 Mission Support Statement of Intent: English – (PDF) Español – (PDF)
Certification of Audit and Blanket Insurance Forms – Each year in late January, each congregation’s treasurer is asked to complete these forms to ensure we have accurate documentation on financial and insurance plans. Forms should be sent to the synod office by end of March each year.
Audit Certificate: (PDF)
Compensation Guidelines
The SCSW Compensation Guidelines and Recommendations are downloadable and available for your use as you do your budget planning for the coming year. These are suggested minimum guidelines.
2024 Guidelines: (PDF) – version November 14, 2023
Portico Benefits & Resources
For further information on Board of Pensions/Portico rates, calculators and details visit the Portico Benefits website.
ELCA Model Constitution for Congregations
Each of this church’s expressions—congregations, synods and the churchwide organization—has a constitution. This model is the minimum standard for congregations. Any congregation that wishes to update their constitution should consult the synod secretary for guidance and approval.
Synod & Parish Protection Handbook
This handbook contains guidelines for screening staff and volunteers and recommendations of appropriate behaviors for adults who work with children and youth.
PPP Handbook (2017) PDF
Model Sexual Harassment & Misconduct Policy
This policy document may be used as a guide for congregations in drafting their own congregation specific Sexual Harassment & Misconduct Policy in consultation with the synod and other local resources. This model should be seen as the minimum standard for congregations.
Model Sexual Harassment & Misconduct Policy PDF
Equipping the Saints Webinars
Our Equipping the Saints webinars were one of the ways we connected with our congregations, leaders, and members over a variety of topics and discussions in 2020 and 2021. Whether you were on a particular webinar and would like to review the information shared, or you were unable to attend live, recordings of most of our past webinars are available on the archived webinars page via the link below.