Team Wisconsin Update 10-31-07

The Wesleyan Church is trying to move in on Milwaukee. For the past several years there have been four churches in the Milwaukee area. Then three years ago, Iglesia Christiana Wesleyana, Casa de Dios was birthed out of the four Milwaukee area churches. This year two more churches will begin – one in north Milwaukee and another in the southeast area. Last Sunday morning I was privileged to sit in a movie theatre in an overstuffed loveseat. I think that is the most comfortable seating Reenie and I have ever been in for church. Jason and Alya, who have begun having preview services there, are starting Transformation City church. Jason preached a good message then led worship, along with three others. It was a good hour. They are still developing their core team as they make connections with people in the community. A special prayer request we would like you to remember is about their place of worship. They have permission to use the theatre through Christmas, but the city fathers are trying to make their presence a zoning issue to try and keep them from continuing to meet there. There is a hearing on November 12. Please pray that there would be an open door, literally, for them to continue to meet at the Rosebud. It is an excellent location. The owner is very favorable to their presence. It is well known in the community.

Morillo Family and Iglesia Segundo
Monday we were back in Milwaukee to meet the Guzman family, who just arrived in Milwaukee this past weekend to begin planting another church in the southeast area of Milwaukee. Daniel Munoz’ church is the mother church and Daniel and the congregation have worked very hard to prepare the way for their arrival. Morillo is from Venezuela. His wife France (pronounced Francie) is From Colombia. They have three children – Zabdiel, Daniel and Lina. Morillo just received his Pastoral Theology degree in July and is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church. Morillo is also the executive director of Jibacam, the Latin American missions agency. We welcome Morillo and his family to Wisconsin, where they will see snow for the first time. The family has moved into their home. They are still in need of some household furnishings. Please pray for these items and respond by calling Daniel Munoz to see what is still needed. His numbers are: 414/931-4639 (home) or 414/324-7093.

Connections
Last week I met with the Ballinger Fund trustees and we will be recommending some significant changes to the DBA and conference next year. We also had a good DBA meeting last Saturday. In addition to taking care of good and interesting business, we discussed George Bullard’s work entitled “Real Congregations Serve Congregations” and the emerging church movement. Pastor David Treloar’s dad continues to make good progress from his surgery for cancer this past week. Continue to pray for the Treloar family. Finally, Reenie and I had the privilege of spending a couple of days with her folks here in Middleton. We had a great time.

Spiritual Formation Training for Teachers/Leaders

WHAT: Exciting time of motivation and training for effective spiritual formation

WHO: Dr. Jim Dunn (Adult), Rev. Colleen Derr (Children) and Rev. Scott Simmons (youth) from
the Spiritual Formation Department in Indy will be leading

WHEN: November 3, Saturday (southwest and southeast regions) 10 AM – 3 PM (Light lunch included)
November 4, Sunday (north region) 3 PM – 7 PM (Light supper included)

WHERE: November 3—CrossPoint Nazarene Church, Madison
November 4—Spooner Wesleyan Church

FOR: Pastors, Directors, Teachers, Small Group leaders, of children, youth, and adults.

Calendar Information
November 1.................... Parkway LBA Dialogue
November 3-4................ Spiritual Formation Tour
November 3-4................ The River (Minong) visit
November 5.................... Baker St. LBA Dialogue
November 6.................... Eastman LBA Dialogue
November 6.................... Meeting with Stevan and Jessica Sheets
November 8.................... North Central Staff LDJ
November 8.................... Beulah LBA Dialogue
November 9-10, 16-17... District Extension Class
(Mukwonago)
November 10-11............ Northern Lakes Visit
November 12.................. West Allis LBA Dialogue
November 18.................. Hancock Visit
November 19.................. Burr LBA Dialogue
November 25.................. Burr/Valley Visit
November 26.................. Northern Lakes LBA Dialogue
November 28.................. Evangelism and Church Growth Meeting