A year in review with Pastor Dione Stepanek and her work as the Director for Evangelical Mission.

A message from Bishop Felix J. Malpica

🌟 Exciting News from Sugar Creek! 🌟

Over the past two summers, our LEAD program (Leaders Engaged as Disciples) has been empowering high school students to become confident, faith-filled leaders! This 4-week adventure offers hands-on experience in camp roles, from assisting with day camps to shadowing counselors.

We're thrilled to announce that this summer, three former LEAD participants are officially joining our summer staff! Their incredible growth has already caught the attention of pastors, youth directors, and community leaders alike.

LEAD alumni have gone on to:

• Plan worship services for peers

• Lead Bible studies

• Mentor Sunday School students

• Step up as mission trip leaders

• Organize Vacation Bible School programs

The joy of witnessing these young leaders flourish is unparalleled! As they progress, they declare, “I didn’t know I could do this!” and “I had no idea I could make this kind of difference.”

Join us in celebrating the blooming leadership and passion for service of our young disciples! 🌱💖 #LEADProgram #FutureLeaders #SugarCreekBibleCamp

Our trip focused on accompaniment—listening, observing, and participating in activities with our hosts in Peru to understand their lives, culture, and ministries. They welcomed us into their congregations and the Children’s Festival. Our experience was enriched by gathering with a Texas group, led by Bishop Felix J. Malpica from the La Crosse Area Synod and Bishop Mike Rinehart from Texas. Their leadership fostered collaboration, allowing us to share ideas, stories, and support, transforming us from two distinct groups into a united and interactive one.

The life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Robert Young, a pastor of the La Crosse Area Synod

What to Do If You Feel Led to Be a Leader in Ministry?

Connecting with the La Crosse Area Synod Candidacy Committee is a great next step. This is a team of appointed people throughout the synod to accompany people exploring their calling to further education and leaders in the church.

This trip was in part, a celebration of our 20 years of companionship with the IL-P. To say that this trip was incredible is an understatement.

The La Crosse Area Synod (ELCA) has received a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the Engaging Children Initiative.

Walking may be the most natural and accessible activity to improve and maintain health and well-being. You can’t beat walking for convenience, and you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy its benefits.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s...for many of us these are joyous times spent with family and friends. But for some in our community, the holidays bring uncertainty.

The process of the group collaborating with each other to put the finishing touches on the songs they wrote was nothing short of impressive.

Ministry Ripple Affect following ConFest

Reflections from a newbie at the ELCA National Youth Gathering Whew!  What a whirlwind!  I had the pleasure of attending the tAble, MYLE, and the National Youth Gathering this past July in New Orleans.  Honestly I am still processing all of it a month later because there was so much to take in. 

The Our Savior's Social Ministry Team started serving a weekly meal in response to Jesus' call to love our neighbors. The first meal was on December 3, 1996, with 35 guests; now over 200 meals are served each week. "Come for Supper" is an outreach of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (La Crosse), held on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, offering free meals for dine-in or carry-out.