Assignment of WLS graduates reduces vacancies

Assignments at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

On May 23 the synod’s Assignment Committee met at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., to assign vicars and graduates. Sixty requests came to the Assignment Committee (77 last year, 57 the year before). There were 30 candidates available (34 last year, 33 the year before). All candidates were assigned; 30 of those calls were unfilled (43 last year, 24 the year before). Of those 30 candidates, 26 were seniors receiving their first call and four were from previous classes. In addition, three were reassigned to one-year calls, and three had previous temporary assignments made permanent. Several candidates were assigned to new mission starts or restarts. After the Assignment Committee did its work, there were still 104 vacancies for pastor-trained men synodwide. About 90 of those vacancies were for parish pastors.

Congregation Mission Offerings update

Congregation Mission Offerings (CMO) receipts for May of $1,826,000 represent an increase of $204,000 (12.5%) over 2018. Through May, receipts are up $153,000 (2.0%) over 2018 and are 3.3% ahead of projections for the first five months. Michigan, South Atlantic, and Western Wisconsin districts are significantly ahead of projected receipts for the first five months. This is very good news, and we can be thankful to God for moving his people to provide these offerings of thanks for the support of the work we do together as a synod.

District meetings

Most districts are holding meetings this month in a variety of formats. Some of these meetings are intended to prepare delegates for the synod convention in July; others are focusing on continuing education for called workers. The synod convention will be held July 29 through Aug. 1 at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn. Learn more about the synod convention at wels.net/2019synodconvention.

Serving in Christ,
President Mark Schroeder