07/28/2026
Dear friends,
Yesterday's tornado hit very close to home, causing varying degrees of damage and loss throughout Menasha and affecting many of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Thankfully, people are safe and accounted for, and everyone is OK. Praise be to God!
One of our federation partners, Bethel Lutheran Church, sustained notable damage to its building, which is home to one of SVLS's preschool campuses. Information continues to be gathered as the property is carefully surveyed and inspected to determine the full extent of the damage and what repairs will be necessary.
As we move forward, we ask you to be bold in storming the throne of God with your prayers - for those in our congregations and community whose homes and property were affected; for the members of Bethel congregation; and for patience as decisions are made in the days ahead. Though there are many details yet to be worked out, we are confident that the Lord will continue to provide for His people as He always has.
One amazing way God provides for his people... is through his people! Many have already asked how they can help. At this time, we encourage you to support the coordinated community relief efforts already underway. We are also actively working with WELS Christian Aid and Relief to coordinate cleanup and recovery efforts. If you would like to support those efforts, first and foremost continue to pray boldly. You can also sign up to volunteer, or you can make a financial gift, through the links provided in the shared post below.
Thank you for keeping our federation, our congregations, our school families, and our entire community in your prayers. We will continue to provide updates to our school families as more information becomes available.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
