ELCA Synod Assemblies with Jim Zei
Recently I had the honor to attend 4 Synod Assemblies to spread the word about the Widening The Circle Project. We had a display table at the South-Central Wisconsin, Greater Milwaukee, Metro-Chicago and Northern Illinois Synod Assemblies. What a great time I had meeting so many Christians at a time.
WTC Project was graciously greeted by all of the attendees that made their way to our booth. It is so heart warming to find that many people interested in the camp experience and to hear such wonderful stories from their camp experiences. One attendee, the wife of a pastor, told such a great story that I had a tough time letting her go back to the assembly sessions, I wanted to hear more.
The upcoming JUMP Music Festival ‘08 excited all of the people that stopped by the table. August 23rd is the date for this 12-hour 11-band music extravaganza. With Peder Eide, Agape and Wisconsin’s own Lightswitch, who wouldn’t be excited? Just think- music, food, a huge crowd, the outdoors and GOD!!! This is truly building to become one spectacular event. Check out the website- www.jumpmusicfest.org and see what it takes to become a part of the excitement.
Thank you to all of the people that have donated to Widening The Circle Project. It’s a great feeling to share the passion of camp with all of you. I hope to see you at JUMP Music Festival ’08. The more people that come to celebrate the better it will all be.
Peace,
Jim Zei, Project Director - Widening the Circle Project
WTCP project director featured speaker
April 24 was the day of the Pecatonica Ladies Luncheon held at First Lutheran Church in Pecatonica, Ill. Jim Zei was the featured speaker. Jennifer Buck from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans opened with a few words about Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Camp and the wonderful amenities there. Jennifer talked of the great work that this camp does for kids from all over the Illinois and Wisconsin area. She then introduced Jim Zei to the Pecatonica ladies.
Jim Zei spoke to the crowd of 100+ ladies and a few gentlemen of the Widening The Circle Project. Jim explained the partnership between LOMC and Lutherdale Bible Camp in Elkhorn, Wisconsin and their desire to reach out to children from the cities of Milwaukee, Chicago, Racine and Rockford with a message of hope and inclusion. Jim talked of the need for camps and how the children come away with new friends, a sense of stewardship, respect for nature, respect for others and a better understanding of God's love.
When Jim asked how many of the ladies have been to camp, be it Girl Scout, Bible or any other, the vast majority of hands went into the air. The ladies reminisced about those long gone days, how much fun they had and some of the life long friendships that were forged at camp. These ladies appreciated the opportunity that they were given and hope that more children can experience the same.
Jim Zei named project director of widening the circle project.
Jim Zei brings a combination of a strong involvement with his church and ELCA churchwide supported ministries as well as community projects serving people with a variety of human needs. He has experience in fund raising for not-for profit organizations including the Multiple Sclerosis Society . Jim enjoys working with people and this project is all about meeting and networking with people in their community. Jim, his wife Aileen, and 2 sons are members at Grace Lutheran in Woodstock, IL.
