LOPPW Connects with Congregations & Leaders in Northwest Wisconsin

January 20, 2025

The Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) recently spent time in northwest Wisconsin, building relationships and learning about the ministry happening in local communities.

Visit to Trinity Lutheran Church

At Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, LOPPW Director Kacy Kostiuk joined the congregation in worship and met with members to hear about their community outreach and advocacy interests.

Trinity hosts a busy, community‑supported food pantry that serves more than 800 families each month from its church building. Members are also active in caring for creation, including an engaged “green team” that leads environmental and sustainability initiatives within the congregation. Some members are also leaders in community interfaith organizations that engage on issues related to immigration and poverty.

These ministries highlight the strong connections between the daily work of congregations and the public policy issues that shape people’s lives—housing, food security, environmental stewardship, and more.

Winter Theological Event: Faith & Civic Life

Kacy also participated in the Winter Theological Event, hosted by the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin. LOPPW shared an overview of current policy priorities and ways congregations can engage in public policy as part of their faith practice.

This year’s event focused on the ELCA’s Faith and Civic Life social statement and featured teaching by the Rev. Laurie Jungling, one of the contributors to the statement. Rostered ministers and SAMs gathered to explore how the church can faithfully navigate civic engagement, public life, and community leadership.

Invite LOPPW to Your Congregation or Event

Would you like to know more about LOPPW’s work and explore how your congregation can engage in advocacy? We’d love to connect!

Contact us:

✉️ [email protected]

📞 608-940-1808