September 23 and 24 saw some significant flooding take place in the northern counties of our synod.  Areas hit are Arcadia, Blair, Ettrick and Alma.  The most water and devastation to affect any of our congregations and pastors is in the city of Arcadia.  Christ Lutheran’s basement took in a lot of water, affecting most of the Sunday School rooms.  Pr. Peter Jonas and his family also have a basement full of water, losing many belongings in the process.

Contact has been made with Lutheran Social Services and Lutheran Disaster Response.  At the present time we have been asked to begin collecting items for flood buckets that folks can put to use as they clean out their homes once the waters have receded.  See the flood bucket list and encourage your congregations to help out in this way.  Here is the flood bucket list in a bulletin insert.

Please keep everyone in the affected areas in your prayers — and continue to reach out and connect with friends and neighbors who may need support and assistance.

Ashley Furniture Parking Lot

Front of Arcadia Fire Dept

The Agape Asian Ministry ministry was closed on August 30, 2009.

Photos from the Service of Thanksgiving:

CHURCH BENEFIT EVENT – Rebuilding Bethel Lutheran, Viroqua
Sat, Aug. 28 with Silent Auction from 10 am – 5 pm and cookout from noon to 4 pm
Location:  Living Word Bookstore, 572 Theater Rd, Onalaska
All proceeds go to Bethel Lutheran’s Fire Disaster Fund!  See flyer to publicize.

Thank You Note:
Today, members of Bethel Lutheran talked among one another about how much they felt the love and support of fellow Christians from all the other churches, from friends and neighbors, and everyone throughout the synod and from farther away this morning. We are are grateful for Bishop Arends and Assistant to the Bishop Howe, Pastor Lindsey Jordan, Pastor Kathy Ingebritsen, Pastor Meg Hoversten, who helped last night and this morning. And also everyone’s prayers and words of empathy and hope. Thanks from everyone at Bethel!    –Pastor Kris Fahey

Continuing Ministry:
Bethel Lutheran members have decided to hold worship services and Sunday School at Bethany Lutheran Church, Esofea, and extend a thank you to all in the area who have offered their facilities and supplies.  This location is best in order to maintain worship and Sunday School attendance. The congregation requests your prayers as its members discern what God wants them do as they move forward.

Cause of the Fire:
At approximately 12:30pm on August 18, 2010, the fire investigator for the insurance company and the Viroqua fire chief agreed that lightning was the official cause of the fire at Bethel Lutheran Church – Viroqua, WI.  On Friday, August 13th, at 8:24 a.m., two strikes of lightning hit the church building. There had been 572 lightning strikes within a five mile radius.

Donations:
A fund has been set up at Associated Bank of Viroqua (825 N Main Street, Viroqua, WI 54665-1124) to receive donations.  Please make checks payable to “Bethel Lutheran Church Restoration Fund”.

News Coverage:
WEAU channel 13
WKBT channel 8
WXOW channel 19
La Crosse Tribune

• Ben Larson’s obituary
• Archived Ben Larson information
• Report from Minnesota Public Radio
• Report from The Lutheran magazine
• ELCA News Reports

In memory of Ben, the La Crosse Area Synod Council, at its January meeting, established a memorial fund to be open through the rest of the school year, with all gifts going to the general fund of Wartburg seminary.  These difficult economic times have been especially hard on all of our seminaries, and we wish to give them our assistance in honor of Ben.  Please make your gift payable to “La Crosse Area Synod” and write “Ben Larson–Wartburg” in the memo.  Send your check to the synod office, 2301 South Ave., La Crosse, WI, 54601.  Your entire gift will be given to Wartburg seminary.