Author: Julie Raffa

January 2022

The Pilgrim Herald
Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Exodus 20:13 13 “You shall not murder.

As a pastor I deal with words all the time, you might not notice it because I am a dyslexic hillbilly, words do mean things and their meanings are very important. Example, today I hear educated people using disease and virus interchangeably they are not, a virus may cause a disease but a disease can be caused by a bacteria, virus, fungi, or parasites. Covid is a virus, that can cause various diseases. So, when I recently heard people speaking out on some of the recent court rulings in our country, it is clear that many are confused over the difference between the murder and killing. While in both cases the end result is the same, sadly someone created in the image of God has lost their life, but the difference is a matter of having a clear conscience before one another and God. So, I thought I would attempt to shed some light on this topic.
From the moment of conception, every person whom God has created is our neighbor, worthy of our help and assistance. So, let us define our terms. Killing is the ending of life of another living creature. Murder is taking the life of another person without just cause. However, it goes much deeper, as the explanations to Luther’s Small Catechism teaches murder includes doing or saying anything that injures or endangers another person’s life; neglecting to assist people in bodily need; harboring anger or hatred in our hearts against our neighbor. The Bible does not prohibit self-defense or defense of our neighbor when faced with bodily harm or death, even if that defense might involve killing. So, the Fifth Commandment convicts us all of being murders, as Jesus extends murder to even calling your brother a fool, this is why we all must rely on God’s grace through faith in the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, He alone forgives us this and all sins. At this point we do well to review the “The Fifth Commandment” and its meaning taught in Luther’s Small Catechism, “You shall not murder.” What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.
We have seen this confusion and the harm it can do to our consciences when our soldiers returned from Vietnam and some in our country wrongly lashed out at our soldiers who had been sent by our political and military leaders to defend the rights of the South-Vietnamese people from the spread of Communism. Calling our brave men and women baby killers and murders, was just an awful and often soul crushing way to greet our wonderful servicemen and women. I have spoken to many veterans over my years in the ministry and some of them have endured some incredible awful situations as they sought to survive war and protect their neighbor, while following the commands of the officers above them, but little has harmed them more then coming home and being rejected and accused of murder by those they sought to serve. I pray they we do better with those who are coming home today.
As we consider the differences between killing and murder in the Biblical sense, there are three basic requirements that all need to be involved change killing to murder: first, the killing must be intentional; second, it must be a human that is killed; and third, the killing must be unlawful or unjust.
Let me give an example, if the fifth commandment forbade all killing, Christians and Jews would be required to live life as vegetarians. If taken to its extreme, a prohibition against killing in general would ultimately forbid Christians from farming because of the animals killed by tilling the earth, and many other everyday activities which have the potential to cause the death of one creature or another. But God does not say You shall not kill, instead He says “You shall not murder.”
After the fall into sin, God killed some animals for Adam and Eve to clothe themselves, 21 And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them. God gave permission to Noah that he could kill animals in order to eat them. Elsewhere, we see God specifying that certain animals are to be sacrificed as part of the Old Testament law to foreshadow the Sacrifice of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In the Old Testament law, the killing of an animal that belongs to another person is forbidden, but it is treated as a property crime rather than a murder.
There are even a limited number of situations in which the Bible considers the killing of another human not to be a sin. The first of these is the case of capital punishment. In several portions of the Old Testament law, God specifically commands that the leaders of Israel put people to death for certain crimes, such as murder or treason. We still see this law in use today by our federal government and by many states of our nation, as Paul states in Romans 13:4, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
Another example of killing that is not murder is a true accident, where the cause of death did not occur intentionally, but was the result of a mistake on the part of the killer and was not intended to cause death. This is also reflected in our modern laws where the accidental nature of a killing can reduce or eliminate punishment for the killer. The same is true for a case of self-defense. The Bible never condemns a person for killing another as a result of defending himself or his family from a robber, intruder, or another who is seeking to harm them. Finally killing is not considered murder in the Word of God in the case of a soldier killing in war, that is taking the life of an enemy combatant. In fact, on numerous occasions in the Old Testament, God commands the army of Israel to kill the enemy who is attacking them, or who God has judged.
St. Augustine and Martin Luther both wrote at length concerning the righteousness or unrighteousness of a
Christian serving as a soldier and taking part in killing as part of that vocation. The general consensus arrived at was that it is acceptable for a government to make war for the purpose of defending the people of their nation and that it is even a noble vocation for a Christian to serve as a soldier for the purpose of defending his neighbors, even though that may involve killing soldiers of the enemy army. As our explanation to the Small Catechism teaches, “Government, acting justly as God’s servant, may at times need to take life in order to protect the lives of others (for example, just wars or capital punishment)” And, “Christians may in good conscience disagree about whether a particular war is just. They may also conscientiously disagree about whether capital punishment is always warranted or whether it is being administered in a just manner.” But what we don’t get to do is change the meaning of killing to murder to justify our anger or frustration, doing this only makes us a murderer in the Biblical sense of the Word.
God Bless,
Pastor Fisher
Hebrews 12:1-2

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Pilgrim News
2022 Envelopes are in the Cry Room ready for you to pick them up.
THANK YOU to the Teachers, and students for the wonderful Christmas program. A lot of hard work was put in to it by all and it showed.
The Chili dinner after the program was well attended and enjoyed by all. Thank you Pastor Fisher for the great Chili.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. For all the donations and your purchases from the Christmas Shoppe. With your generosity we were able to raise $1,236 to help pay of the roof for the Church.
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Installation of new Church Officers will be taking place at services on Sunday, January 2, 2022.
If you are a new officer of the Church, i.e. Elder, Trustee, Church Council, etc. please attend one of the services on Sunday to be properly installed in your new office.
Ladies Guild/LWML:
We always give thanks to God for our Pilgrim family. We were able to sell all 89 boxes of cookies and a Gingerbread House with a profit of $800.00 . We are so pleased to continue supporting Seminarian Austin Meier and Missionary Rev. Micah Wildauer. Thank you Pilgrim for your financial support.
This is the Article that the Synod would like added to Pilgrim’s By-Laws to protect the Church in case of a law-suit.
A Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen. 1:26-27). Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
We believe that the term marriage has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Gen. 2:18-25). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4). We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Matt. 15:18-20; 1 Cor. 6:9-10).
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church UAC as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the members of Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church UAC and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church UAC in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:14-16; 1 Thess. 5:22).
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Rom. 10:9-10; 1 Cor. 6:9-11).
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31). Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church UAC.
Information on the Treasurer’s update to the Constitution
As discussed in the October Voters’ Meeting, please see below for a write up of the treasurers duties to allow for the ability to pay by means other than checks. Please note that red text is new and not currently in the bylaws:
E. Treasurer
3. They shall keep on file all order receipts and vouchers for payments made. All payments shall be by check only, direct deposit, or online payment. Initial authorization for direct deposit or online payment will be approved by the Church Council.

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Board of elders report
Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church Board of Elders Meeting Minutes
12/6/2021
Present were Pr. Fisher, Pr. Raffa, Gary, Brian, Dennis, Ron, Patrick, Kurt, Dan, Bob, Jake, and Tanner. Absent was Dave.
The meeting began with prayer and devotion at 6:30.
Schedules were made through January. The next meeting will be Jan 3rd. The voters meeting will be 1/30 at noon.
New officer installation will be Sunday, Jan 2.
Epiphany will be celebrated Jan 6; the Baptism of our Lord will be celebrated Jan 9; those will be different services, given our opportunity to worship on the actual dates for a rare opportunity.
Jan 17-21 Pr. Fisher will be @ Symposium for the LCA (Lutheran Concerns Association) in Ft. Wayne.
The elders discussed ch. 6 of Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity.
The sound system has been fixed; it was simply a setting that took an experienced technician to identify. Many thanks to Mr. Brad Dunigan for his frequent gift of time and talent.
The elders are thankful for the faithful service of Bob, Jake, and Brian. As Brian takes a well-earned break and Bob and Jake move into other offices, we thank the Lord for their service as elders. They are also thankful for the opportunity to serve.
The elders welcome our newly elected elders: Ron, Dan, Dave, and Kurt.
The line item requested by the treasurer and tentatively approved by the congregation at the last voters meeting must appear in writing to give notice before the bylaws can be properly updated in January.
Similarly, the legal language from synod safeguarding us against lawsuits from those with sexual leanings that deviate from Scripture must also be posted for the same reason.
The children’s program was 12/12 at 4. It went very well, and we thank Pr. Raffa and the Sunday school teachers for their hard work! We are also happy that the children helped us celebrate as well!
Some of the considerations raised by the safety committee will be considered by the trustees and council per the recommendations being passed along by Brian.
The website might get a facelift if volunteers are found. The council may also consider the idea of electronic giving, at least as a general donation, such as from those around the world who listen to sermons. The option will be considered, though we certainly recognize that such an option as an offering could be a substantial turn-off for many. If you have thoughts, please share them with your elder or a pastor!
Pastoral care of some members (shut-in visits especially) was discussed.
We will end our subscription to children’s worship materials for the time being simply because we have a large surplus and can use it for a few years. When the materials become needed once more we will resume such.
The meeting ended with prayer at 8:25.
Respectfully submitted,
Tanner Schmidt

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Church council Report
Church Council December 13, 2021 Minutes
The Pilgrim Church Council December 13, 2021 meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President, Bob Knuth. Also in attendance were Pastor Fisher, Pastor Raffa, Tanner Schmidt, Rob Selzler, Jacob Hand, Mary Lehtimaki, Nancy Rosenthal, Karen Spiering, and Jim Behrens.
Pastor Fisher began the meeting by leading a devotion from the hymnal.
A motion to accept the minutes of the November 8 meeting as published was made by Pastor Fisher, seconded by Mary, and passed on voice vote.
Elders Report – by Tanner Schmidt
Church officers will be installed during the Thursday, December 30 and Sunday, January 2 services.
The next Voters Meeting will be at noon on Sunday, January 30.
Tanner made a motion that a card or note be sent to Brad Dunigan thanking him for his help with the sound system. The motion was seconded by Pastor Raffa and passed.
Trustees Report – by Rob Selzler
Completion of the roof work continues to be delayed, awaiting arrival of the correct material to finish it.
Looking into water coming in one corner of the Raffa parsonage basement, possible ground water entering as a result of shrub removal. Some landscaping may be required in the Spring. An alarm will be installed to warn if water accumulates on the floor, until repairs can be made.
A Radon Tester has been ordered and church properties will be checked for radon levels, as exposure to high levels of radon gas over time can cause lung cancer.
Working toward completion of the required five-year elevator testing and inspection.
Treasurers Report – by Jacob Hand
A current financial statement was not available as the computer was being repaired, however the end of November report will be published in the next Herald.
Jacob made a motion that Quill, LLC (paper supplier) and West Bend Water Utilities be added to the list of expenses to be set up for online payment, seconded by Tanner and passed on voice vote.
Pastor Fisher’s Report
Will be attending a Circuit Visitors Retreat in Stephens Point WI January 24-25.
Will be away January 17-21 to present at the Lutheran Concerns Association Bible Study and attend a Symposia at Fort Wayne IN.
Expressed thankfulness to Nancy Rosenthal, Becky Boehlke, Paul Grosskreuz, Mathias Raffa, Carolyn McAfee, and others who helped with the Chili Supper that followed the Children’s Christmas program.
Pastor Raffa’s Report
Pastors are continuing to do services and visit members at the nursing homes as possible given various Covid requirements and restrictions.
Expressed thankfulness to Paul Grosskreuz, Ginny Schober, and others for their work on the wonderful Children’s Christmas Program. Also, to Tanner Schmidt for help with the sound for the program and Pastor Fisher for his work on the Chili Supper.
Many of those who attended the Children’s Christmas Program have commented on how well done, enjoyable, and well attended it was and have expressed thanks to the Pastors and all others who worked on it.
A motion was made by Nancy and passed on voice vote to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting ended with a prayer by Pastor Raffa.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Behrens

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Membership report
Baptized: None
Deceased: Joanne Klumb
November 23, 2021
Married: Ilana Goehner & Griffin Wronski
December 4, 2021
Transferred In: None
Transferred Out: None
Released from Membership: None

Please do not forget the January Voters Meeting.
January 30, 2022 at noon.
There are several important items that will need to be discussed and voted on, The addition of the ability of the Treasurer to be able to pay bills online saving time and postage and the addition of the Statement on Marriage to prevent Pilgrim from being sued.
Please attend the meeting for these important issues.

month volunteer schedule
Saturday, January 1: 9:00 a.m.
Altar Guild:
Elder: Dennis E.
Usher Team: 2
Acolyte: Matthias R.
Sunday, January 2: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Caryn L.
Altar Guild: Laurie L. / Nancy R.
Elder: Tanner S. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 3 / 4
Acolyte: Rachel R. / Josiah R.
Thursday, January 6: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder: Patrick S.
Usher Team: A
Acolyte:
Sunday, January 9: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Julie R.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Julie R.
Elder: Ron K. / Dan S.
Usher Team: 1 / 4
Acolyte: Clayton K. / Violet S.
Thursday, January 13: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Karen S.
Elder: Dennis E.
Usher Team: B
Acolyte: Dylan K.
Sunday, January 16: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Nancy A.
Altar Guild: Norma B. / Carolyn M.
Elder: Kurt M. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 3 / 8
Acolyte: Victoria M. / Georgia J.
Thursday, January 20: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ruth K.
Elder: Patrick S.
Usher Team: A
Acolyte:
Sunday, January 23: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Linda M.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Rita F.
Elder: Tanner S. / Dan S.
Usher Team: 1 / 2
Acolyte: Rachel R. / Wade J.
Thursday, January 27: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder: Dennis E.
Usher Team: B
Acolyte: Dylan K.
Sunday, January 30: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Kathy P.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Rita F.
Elder: Ron K. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 3 / 4
Acolyte: Matthias R. / Josiah R.

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Lutheran missions

A New Song
Oh sing unto the Lord a new song, For He has done marvelous things;
His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.
The Lord has made known His salvation;
His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel;
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth;
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises (Psalm 98:1–4).
A thousand years before Jesus’ birth, King David composed Psalm 98 praising God for having already gained our salvation. This is a common way of speaking in the Bible, especially among the prophets of the Old Testament. Things that are going to happen are spoken of as if they had already taken place. The Word of God is so certain that the things it says are as good as done even before they happen. So it is with the Word that was made flesh for us. The entire salvation story is bundled up in that baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. When the time had fully come God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law to redeem us who were under the law (Galatians 4:4).
In this way, God revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations by being born of a woman like every other man in the world. He remembered his mercy and his faithfulness to the house of Israel by placing himself under the law of Moses becoming obedient unto death (Phil. 2). The Lord of the universe, which no mortal eye can see, became just like you and me—a flesh and blood person, body and soul, skin and bones, a beating heart and a central nervous system—everything that you and I are, he became, except he never sinned. He depended on his mother; he wore swaddling clothes; he lived like us, among us, and for us, as our Substitute.
Born a weak little baby, He came to us where we needed him. He came to us exactly where we were, where we had failed, and there he succeeded for us. He committed his entire life to the will of his heavenly Father. He never once flinched before the task that God gave him. He sympathized with every moral conundrum, every stressful situation, every anxious and worrisome thought—everything that you and I have ever experienced—he faced it just like we do every day. He overcame every single temptation we ever faced, and by his perfect obedience to God’s law he was happy to offer to God his own personal victory as if it were ours. Born an innocent little Lamb, Jesus offered himself a perfect sacrifice for our sin. This baby boy in the manger was bearing in his infant flesh the wages of our sin —he was bearing our death, our diseases, our sorrows—and with his holy, precious, divine blood he purchased that righteousness which turns God’s wrath away from sinners forever. Now when God sees you he sees you through the perfect sacrifice that this Child was destined to make for you, and he sees you as perfect and righteous and holy and lovely and beautiful as his own dear Son.
Yes, all of these things are as good as done. The Word made flesh on Christmas is the risen glorious Word who offers forgiveness, life and salvation to everybody everywhere every day. Through His victorious resurrection, Jesus became the first born of a new world that will never end, where all sins are forgiven, and life is lived to its fullest. What a bright future God has prepared for us who firmly believe this Word!
The Word we preach is alive and powerful because Jesus has invested his life in it. Think about that! The same Word incarnate, written in Scripture, given in preaching and the sacraments, is engraved on our hearts and the hearts of our children when we are brought to faith and renewed through baptism (Titus 2). In this Word we find our life. Every time you hear it, the Word is making you alive by the power of the Spirit. Every time God’s Word is spoken, the thing is done. Guaranteed. Sins are forgiven. The lost are found. Sinners are made into saints. The Word has accomplished what it was sent to do. It shall not return to him void, but it shall accomplish what he please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which he sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11).
The new song of Christmas is for every person in the world everywhere at every time. The angels declared to the shepherds: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” We may be certain our mission will succeed. God has succeeded in the Dominican Republic, where He sent to me preach over the past five years. And our mission to the southern Balkan and Mediterranean regions, where God has only just now begun to send me, will be as successful as our Lord Himself because, indeed, “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God” (Psalm 98:2-3). That is why I am optimistic about the future of the church! As dark and cold as the world may appear today, we know for certain that the message of Christmas, which saves us, will be preached always and everywhere! Believe it, dear Christian. The thing is as good as done. Unto you is born this day a Savior! The message never gets old. The joy of Christmas is always a new song.
“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises” (Psalm 98:4).
Mission work updates
In many ways, these last few months of life in the Dominican Republic have been missionary life as usual, except, it seems, more of it. In this final semester serving on the faculty of our seminary, I have been teaching three classes, and we are just now finishing up our final week of exams. Grading should be done before Christmas. I am so proud of these young men. They are receiving a good theological education at this seminary. How wonderful it has been to watch them grow in knowledge and maturity. I pray that God continues to bless them on their way and make them into faithful pastors.
My last day serving as pastor of the church in Palmar was Sunday, November 28th. I can’t tell you how much I am going to miss these folks. As these dear brothers and sisters in Christ continue to grow in grace, I also pray for my dear brother, Pastor Idjon Fritz, who will now pastor them alone. This has been a particularly emotional farewell. I love these people very much. I’ve baptized nearly forty people in this community and in La Piedra, and so much work remains to be done. I thank God for Vicar Jeancarlos Ramírez and the seminarians, who are still carrying on visitations, classes, and Bible studies in La Piedra. I am comforted to know that Christ himself is their Shepherd, and as long as he remains their Shepherd, nobody will be able to snatch them from the hands of their heavenly Father.
Besides classes and pastoral duties, these last months have been packed with all sorts of “last times.” The chaplain’s assistant scheduled me to preach in the seminary chapel as often as possible, and I gave a few last presentations to the faculty - one was a study on marriage and family to missionary pastors at a retreat in the mountain village of Jarabacoa. And there were, of course, a few final visits to church members and prospective members from the community. One of the most joyful times I’ve had was the opportunity to preach at the wedding of Pastor Idjon and his wife, Beatrice, in November. What a beautiful service and celebration we had. May God bless their marriage!
Last week, the seminary sent me to Guadalajara, Mexico, to present at the church of one of our alumni, Pastor Guillermo Leyva. The topic was “The Grace of God and its Means in the Christian Life.” It was a unique experience to see my own student serving in the role for which God has used us to prepare him. I had a great time with Guillermo and the members of his congregation. We ate good food, visited several “magic towns” and the old centers of various cities and villages in beautiful Jalisco, heard the mariachi bands, celebrated a “posada” which is a typical Latin American Christmas celebration, and even enjoyed a piñata party. What I enjoyed most was sitting down with Guillermo, talking about the blessings and challenges of ministry, and marveling at the wonderful things God is doing for his Church in Latin America.
Meanwhile, Jenny has been selling off our house items as we prepare for our move to Romania. As you can imagine, preparing another international move for a family of ten is a mountainous task, but we are steadily making progress. I signed a contract on the house we will be renting in Brasov, Romania. I am thankful to my soon-to-be colleague, Pastor Sorin Trifa, for all his help in securing a partially-furnished home suitable for our family. I have also been in conversation with my old friend, Pastor Christian Tiews, a missionary to Iranian immigrants in Germany, who is also teaching courses at the Livonian Project. I will assist him in teaching a few modules on Catechesis and Pastoral theology this January and February.
These last weeks and days have been full of bittersweet goodbyes and farewells to friends, fellow missionaries, members, neighbors, and acquaintances from the Dominican Republic and all parts of Latin America. We are really going to miss our home and friends here in the DR, but we also look forward to new missionary opportunities in the Eurasian field. This missionary life is like the life of every Christian: we are always looking back with thankful hearts at the blessings God has graciously bestowed, and we are always looking forward with hope to the life he has promised us. May God continue to preserve and increase his Church in Latin America, and may he raise up new and strong churches in Eurasia to his eternal glory. And may he use us, all of us, unworthy as we are, to that blessed end!
Reflections from home, by Jenny
September started off with opening service for the seminary academic year for 2021/2022. There are nine residential students from the countries of Panama, Venezuela, Chile, Bolivia, Cuba, and Peru. It has been a fulfilling, final semester for David which he explained more about in the section above. The kids began online classes with Wittenberg Academy and continued Spanish tutoring at the regional office.
In October we enjoyed a Reformation activity in our church where the children did crafts and had a lesson. The children also attended a mission party at Krey casa where they dressed up in creative, homemade costumes. American Thanksgiving was also enjoyed by the team, which was held at the Mercy Center in Palmar. All the missionaries and seminarians contributed with their own specialty dish to pass, and a rousing game of volleyball followed the feast. David and I have also been enjoying some final evenings out with friends on the team here. Recently we've discovered some new Italian, Lebanese, and Peruvian restaurants with some of our friends here who are also food enthusiasts.
November brought us many special events starting out with Lena's confirmation in the Christian faith. We also attended the wedding blessing of Pastor Idjon and his wife Beatrice. They are a dear couple and we are very happy that they have found each other. With David's departure, Pastor Idjon is now taking over as the head pastor at Palmar. I hosted a lady's night up on our roof, where Rebekah, Lena, and I enjoyed food, music, games, and conversation with the other ladies of the mission and seminary. We also took a brief getaway to the beach to soak up a bit of final sun and sand. Unfortunately, it was during this getaway that a break-in at our home happened. A neighbor reported seeing 3 men on a motorcycle leaving our home after hopping the fence.
The ladrones (thieves) got away with almost $3000 worth of items, including some of the kid's school technology. Thankfully our business manager was on the scene soon after and discovered some creative ways to replace some of the lost items quickly with little interruption to the kid's schooling. Fortunately, the welders were able to come over as soon as we returned home, and they patched up the windows.
In December, we took a weekend away to visit the capital of Santo Domingo and spent some time with Pastor Maita and his family. We attended church at Pan de Vida which is a fast-growing mission in the center of the capital city, and we visited the beautiful Botanical Gardens .
One funny story has to do with the boy's haircuts, which we usually do every 2 months. I was all ready to give the 6 boys their December haircuts and had set up the station in our dining room, only to discover that the thieves had stolen our hair clipper/comb set! So instead, we took a drive to our neighborhood barber, and between 3 hombres all 6 boys were trimmed up within a couple of hours. It was quite an adventure, as it was little Lars's first "real" haircut.
The final weeks of December have been busy selling our home items. Most of the big things were bought by end of November, and then we had a small sale in the front room of our home with remaining items on display. Final sales should be completed this week. Then, attention will be turned to packing suitcases for our return flight.
These final weeks are filled with despedidas (good-bye parties) and holiday gatherings. We are thankful to have made so many great and truly lifelong friends here.
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Communal Prayers
A Collect for New Year's Eve: Eternal God, we commit to Your mercy and forgiveness the year now ending and commend to Your blessing and love the times yet to come. In the new year, abide among us with Your Holy Spirit that we may always trust in the saving name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who live and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Another: Lord, make me to know my end and the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. Another year of pilgrimage has passed. I am a year nearer to my death, nearer to judgement, nearer to eternal life with Christ, my Lord. Where shall I run as the sins of the past year and the transgressions of all my years rise and condemn me? Lord, to You alone I flee for refuge in these last hours of the waning year. For the sake of Your own Son, whom You sent to be the Savior of all men, be gracious to me, and pardon my iniquity. Trusting in the merits of my Savior, I come boldly to Your throne of grace, in full confidence that there I shall obtain mercy and find grace to help in times of need. Let me, in a manner befitting a child of God, conclude the old year and begin the new, a year in which You would be pleased to dwell among us continually in Your goodness and means of grace; for the sake of Your dear Son Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
A Collect for the Circumcision and Name of Jesus: Lord God, You made Your beloved Son, our Savior, subject to the Law and caused Him to shed His blood on our behalf. Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit that our hearts may be made pure from all sins; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Another: It’s on account of Your mercy alone, O Lord, that I am not consumed, because Your compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Abide with me, O God throughout the coming year. Be my guide in all my perplexities, my strength in my weakness, my ever-ready help in all my troubles. Forgive me all my sins. O Sabaoth Lord, look down from heaven and in grace behold and visit You holy Church, which You have chosen for Your own. Preserve for us Your saving Word and Sacraments, that Your vine may send out its boughs from sea to sea and its branches to the uttermost parts of the earth. Look graciously upon our nation and all the nations of the world, bless them with peace. Grant to all that are in authority wisdom and courage to rule in such a way that we may lead a quite and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty. To You, Almighty God, I commit this nation, my church, my family, my loved ones, and myself. Abide with me. With Your grace and mercy preserve me whole—body and soul—blameless to the coming of my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Family and friends requesting our prayers: Steve & Cindy Wiedmeyer, Carl & Lois Pritzlaff, Janet Meisenheimer, Mark Selzler, Paul Lierman, Sherry Cullen, Carolyn Bren, Ron & Joyce Virchow Sr., Judy Clark, Inez Schwoch, Deb Sumner, Jan Meyle, Sue Zell, Richard & Chloe Fisher, Ruth Mertz, Jerry & Gert Sullivan, Donna Sommer, Kandie Darmody, June Fry, David & Olivemae Olson, Eric Johanen, Diane Behrens, Marge Legate, Suzanne Stadelmayer, Elaine Kuenzel, Ray & Frances Neerhoff, Jeanette Guillaume, Linda Lukas, Linda Borneman, Nancy Nicholas, Rachel Davis, Marissa Flanders, Linda Schmidt, Vanessa Kuehne, Travis Winkler, Brian Vonlender, Scot Meisenheimer, Thomas Kramlik, and Jody Meisenheimer

Voice of Faith

January 2022 — Page #

Birthdays
2- Evelyn Carey
Rev. Christopher Raffa
Steven Wiedmeyer
3– Elsie Meyle
4- James Hanson
7- Nolan Nitzke
Betty Schneeweis
8- Chloe Skrentny
9- Jayne Gohr
Bonnie Leffin
Samantha Spalda
11- Dylan Zehetner
Ian Zehetner
12- Jacob Hand
13- Arlene Zicker
15- Aubrianna Held
Daniel Schmidt
17- Tyler Jakubowski
Dick Spiering
19- Michael Olson
20- Susan Knuth
Cindy Wiedmeyer
21- Nicole Zehetner
23- Theresa Baerenwald
Brenda Doyle
Gary Knuth
24- Jeff Schneeweis
Jennifer Stange
25– Paul Liermann
27- Albert Frank
Sheryl Pajewski
30- David Moenning
Terry Mowery
Anniversaries
19- Michael & Lorna Olson
25– Michael & Mary Schwittau
31– Brian & Pamela Nitzke

Experience the HOLY LAND! 10 –Day Biblical Tour of Israel with Jordan Extension.
If you are interested in seeing the places where our Lord walked ad where many key events on the Scriptures took place, you are invited to take part in a tour of the Holy Land in late April/early May. This will ne a group of Lutherans guided by both LCMS Pastor Koch and a local Israeli Christian guide. For more information you can call 414-795-9005. Brochures are available in the Narthex.
Cost: $4222.00 from Chicago, IL.
(Price includes: $595 US & Intl. departure taxes/fuel & $150 gratuities)
Additional departures cities available on request
Day 1: Monday, April 25 Depart USA.
Day 2: Tuesday, April 26 Arrive Tel Aviv.
Day 3: Wednesday, April 27 Caesarea, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Nazareth, Cana and Galilee.
Day 4: Thursday, April 28 Galilee, Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Boat Ride, Bethsaida, Jordan River.
Day5: Friday, April 29 Golan Heights, Caesarea Philippi, Tel Dan, Gideon Springs, Beit Shean, Jerusalem.
Day 6: Saturday, April 30 Qumran, Ein Gedi, Masada, Dead Sea for Float/Swim.
Day 7: Sunday, May 1 Mt. of Olives, Palm Sunday Road, Garden of Gethsemane, Western Wall, Temple Mount, Via Dolorosa, Southern Steps, Bethlehem.
Day 8: Monday, May 2 Shrine of the Book, Model City, City of David, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Pool of Siloam, St. Peter Gallicantu, Garden Tomb.
Day 9: Tuesday, May 3 Jerusalem, Elah Valley, Jaffa, Farewell Dinner, Ben Gurion Airport.
Day 10: Wednesday, May 4 Arrive in USA.
Optional Jordan Extension $1097.00 per person.
Price is based on minimum of 15+ travelers for price to be valid. (Includes: Visa & Border Taxes of $77 & Gratuities of $45.)
Day 10: Wednesday, May 4 Allenby Bridge, Jordan: Madaba, Machaerus, Petra.
Day 11: Thursday, May 5 Petra, Amman
Day 12: Friday, May 6 Amman, Mt. Nebo, Allenby Bridge, Israel: Jaffa, Tel Aviv Airport.
Day 13: Saturday, May 7 Arrive in USA.
board.

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

January 2022						1 / 9 a. New Year’s Day Divine Service
2 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Bible Studies / 9:30a Adult Class: Life of Christ / 10:30a Divine Service	3 / 6:30p Board of Elders Meeting	4 / 2p. Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	5 / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class: Lutheran Difference on Worship	6 / 9a. Galatians Bible Class / 7p Divine Service	7 / Office Closed	8 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
9 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Enduring Faith / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service	10 / 5:30p Board of Trustees Meeting / 7p Church Council Meeting	11 / 2p. Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	12 / 9a. Quilters / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class: / Lutheran Difference on Worship	13 / 9a. Galatians Bible Class / 7p Divine Service	14 / Office Closed	15
16 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Enduring Faith / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service	17	18 / 12p LWML / Ladies Guild Meeting / 2p. Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	19 / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class: / Lutheran Difference on Worship	20 / 9a. Galatians Bible Class / 7p Divine Service	21 / Office Closed	22 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
23 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: 30 / 8a. D.S. / 9:30a Adult Class: 9:15a. S.S / 9:30 a. A.C. / 10:30a Divine 10:30 a. D.S. / Service 12p. Voters Meeting	24 / 10;30 a. Chapel @ Jackson Crossing	25 / 2p. Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	26 / 9a. Quilters / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class: / Lutheran Difference on Worship	27 / 9a. Galatians Bible Class / 7p Divine Service	28 / Office Closed	29

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Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
462 Meadowbrook Drive
West Bend, WI 53090

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Phone: 262-334-0375
Email: office@pilgrimlutheranwb.org
Website: www.pilgrimlutheran-westbend.org

Luther. (2017). Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (p. 92). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.

Luther. (2017). Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (p. 92). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.

The Preus Family in the Dominican Republic

Winter 2021 Newsletter

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Romans 13:4, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.

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Inside this Issue:
Pilgrim News & Reports
3-7
Lutheran Missions
8-10
Communal Prayers
11
Birthdays & Anniversaries
12
Calendar
13

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