Monthly meeting of the LCMS Arizona South Circuit pastors.

Lay persons of the circuit are encouraged to attend the Winkel.
Discussions regarding issues of pastoral concern and care are confidential and restricted to Pastors only.

	Litugist/Preacher	Food
August	Pr. Isaac Wirtz	Same
September	Pr. Jason Hong	Same
October	Pr. Todd Arnold	Same
November	Pr. von Hindenburg	Same

September Meeting
(Information to come)

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August Meeting
Here is a brief synopsis of what took place at the monthly Winkel for the Southern AZ Circuit of the English District.

We began with a Divine Service led by Pr. Isaac Wirtz of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. Order of service was DS III from LSB. Pr. Wirtz’ sermon was based on the Gospel text appointed for that day from Matthew 14:13-21 (3-Year Lectionary, Series A), the Feeding of the 5000.

Our Confessional study continued as we looked at Article IV of the Epitome of the Formula, Good Works.  This is another pivotal understanding in the Lutheran Church.  A division had arisen among the theologians – some said, “Good works are necessary for salvation. It is possible to be saved without good works.” And, that “No one has ever been saved without good works.”  The other side said, on the contrary, “Good works are harmful for salvation.” The schism grew from there.

Article IV looks at the affirmative statements of the Lutheran community (the Pure teaching) and the negative statements, i.e. – false doctrine.  We made it through the affirmative statements and will continue with the negative at our next meeting. 

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Ps. 133:1 ESV

Included in our Winkels are reports from various groups and organizations.  This is a brief synopsis – I would encourage each of these groups to send full and/or additional reports to the web master (kymlindsey@catalinalutheran.org).

Santa Trinidad – had a successful VBS run, in large, by Vicar Ledford.

Campus Ministry – Pr. I. Wirtz is doing what he can, but constant contact with the students is the major concern and hurdle.  Bright note – Ascension has an ongoing relationship with some U of A students.  Bringing these groups together would be beneficial to all.

Life – Dr. Roni Grad sends updates which are included with various committees.  His latest will be included here.

LWML – Fall Rally at Ascension will be on Saturday, October 3 highlighting the Lutheran Heritage Foundation with Rev. Robert Rahn, founder, as speaker.

Circuit Forum – Our next gathering will be the Convocation in 2027, January 29 and 30.  This is going to be good as a musical weekend is being planned.  We still need a VP, Treasurer, and Secretary for the Circuit – light work…but very important.  Please contact Dcn. Tom Honebrink at dcntom@catalinalutheran.org for more information on any and all of these topics.

FROM AROUND OUR CIRCUIT

Pr. V. Schindler, Emeritus reports that Alive in Christ, an LCMS congregation, but part of the PSD, is struggling.  They are moving to Marana (in town) so that they can take on more of a mission role in that growing area. Please keep them in your prayers.

Catalina – new Vicar coming this week – C. Robert Hyde & Sandy (dog)

Sahuarita – they continue to grow.  They’ve paid off their mortgage and are now looking to further expansion.  They need musicians.

Risen Savior – they are receiving new members (approx. 10-14) – concert series coming in November

Mt. Olive – this will be exciting: new members class on Zoom.  Interested – contact Pr. Wirtz

Faith – Vicar Ledford will be going back to CTSFW.  They are starting a new member classes.

Please include Ascension in your prayers as they continue the process to call a Sr. Pastor.

Next meeting – see the website: www.azsouthlutherans.org 

Please note the change: Pr. Hong will be hosting in Sept., Pr. Arnold in Oct.

Excused absence – Pr. Michael Morehouse; Pr. Tom Braun

IN Christ

Pr. von Hindenburg

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July Meeting
First and foremost – this recap is provided to enable those who did not come to have access to what was discussed and hopefully, to spur interest in attending in the future. (I know there are reasons why some cannot make it, but now that we have a firm day and time for every future Winkle – at least through November – please mark it on your calendar and make every attempt to join with us.)

Worship was led by Pr. Nick Wirtz with a sermon presented by the Vicar from Faith, Vicar Ledford.  Vicar provided a clear understanding of what is meant by the phrase “born again Christian,” and how it has been misinterpreted and misapplied – all the way from Nicodemus to the modern age.  Thank you to both of them for feeding us with Word and Sacrament.

Our discussion continued on the Epitome.  We will pick up in August with Article IV – Good Works: The Principal Question In the Controversy concerning Good Works. This continues to be an enlightening discussion. I cherish the opportunity to gather with brothers and be renewed and strengthened in what we believe, teach, and confess in the Lutheran Church. Please join us – it is refreshing!
Mr. Tom Honebrink, who serves as not only our lay representative on the Board of Directors of the District, but also as our Circuit President, wore a “third hat” in reporting to us about the Floor Committee meetings that were held this past weekend in St. Louis.  There are 11 Floor Committees that gather for 3 days prior to the Synod’s Convention.  There they discuss, chew on, discuss some more, and break down the many overtures made to the Synod to be discussed, chewed on, and voted for or against at the Convention.  Their (the Floor Committee’s) goal is to minimize the number of overtures to be discussed by the full body at the Convention.  This is both an interesting and exhausting task.  If you haven’t already, you may download further information (including the Convention Workbook – which includes all of the overtures submitted) and other information here: 

https://www.lcms.org/convention/national

Tom also covered our upcoming Circuit Forum which will include reports from at least our lay delegate to the convention, and perhaps our pastoral delegate as well.

This will be fresh on their minds as the Convention runs from July 18–23, and our Forum is scheduled for July 25, 2026 at Catalina Lutheran Church.  (We are meeting on the north side in hopes that some of our brothers and sisters from the northern Circuit can join us as well.)

One of the topics that was brought up during our open discussion was the Athanasion Creed.  This gem is often overlooked and/or ignored because people don’t understand it, people think it is too long, people think it’s too Catholic, people think it’s too long……you get the point. Here is a video made by Pr. Isaac Wirtz (Mt. Olive LC, Tucson) about this very topic:

Good Stuff!!

Other news from our congregations:

Faith continues to serve both its congregation, the Hispanic congregation, and its school.  Please keep Pr. Nick Wirtz and his Vicar, Sam Ledford, in your prayers.

Pr. Jason Hong announced that his congregation will be going to two services (hopefully in September). They are in need of a youth director and some musicians.  Give Pr. Hong a call if you have someone who can help.

Pr. Isaac Wirtz is a very busy man with his family, his congregation (growing), his videos, the Campus ministry (on a little hiatus since it’s summer time).  Prayers for all his and his congregations endeavors are coveted.

Pr. Todd Arnold reports that attendance hasn’t dropped nearly as much as it did last year (and previous years) because many of his newer members are full-time residents rather than from the mysterious breed known as snowbirds .

Catalina Lutheran continues to Preach and Teach.  3 Divine Services weekly, new members classes ongoing, and VBS starts this coming Sunday – June 07!  Vicar Tyler Decker is entering the homestretch of his vicarage at Catalina…..heading back to Fort Wayne at the end of July.  Hang in there, Vicar!

Thank you Pr. Schindler for your update on Alive in Christ.  We will keep them in prayer.

Your CV has been busy meeting with Ascension as they have been going through the exercise of calling a new Senior Pastor.  I am pleased to inform you that the call has been made…..it is now in the hands of the Holy Spirit to guide this man and his family as they give their prayerful consideration to both his existing call and this one which he has just received.

I request that all of the congregations of the Circuit pray for this Call in the weeks to come.

The times, dates, and places for our future Winkels remain the same.  We always meet at Faith Lutheran, 3925 E 5th St, Tucson, AZ, first Tuesday of the month.  Doors are open at 8:30 and Worship with Holy Communion is at 9:00.

We will not be meeting in July since there is a Convention in Phoenix and we will have the Forum meeting on the 25th at Catalina.

Thank you for your faithful and dedicated service to our Lord and His Church. I look forward to seeing you all in July – either at the Convention or at the Forum.  It is always good to spend time with you.

In His service and under His grace,

Brother Bruce von Hindenburg, CV