Author: Julie Raffa

October 2022

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

God Forgets
I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins”
Isaiah 43:25
Centered Alignment

I am glad that God forgets, that He remembers no more my sins, failures, and forgetfulness—because I forgot that it was my month to write the Pastor’s Page.
So, as I ponder what God forgets, and what man remembers so well, the beginning of this fall season seems to have started quite ominously. It’s almost as if something otherworldly, not of flesh and blood, that perches itself in the trees—something dark and sinister—and as the leaves change color and fall away, the menacing creature has been exposed and is swooping down to stir the hearts of God’s people to sorrow and sadness, anxiety and apathy. I speak these words with a heavy heart.
In the past month or so, no small number of people—both within the parish and outside the parish—have either sought me out to talk or I have been made aware of haunting sins, awful situations, and metaphorical axes that have not been buried but used to hurt others. There are so many awful things that have a permanent grip on our hearts and minds, and perhaps worse, are slowly or ferociously feasting on our joyful hope and peace.
It’s no surprise. Guilt is a demonic beast. He’s tough. He’s vicious. He’s resourceful. He’s enduring. He’s sneaky. Worst of all, he remembers everything. He takes record of the events of our past and present—everything that makes up our history—and writes it in his ledger. This ledger has dates, times, images—everything necessary for our indictment.
Of course, guilt has a buddy. His name is regret. He labors beside his friend guilt. He’s just as formidable as guilt. Together, guilt and regret, scheme. They step side-by-side together. They slither into our circles of existence, and knowing the opportune moments, they strike. One and then the other. They grab hold, and as one shoves the ledger’s ugly and accusing contents in our faces, the other injects a stinging venom of hopelessness—the shameful memories, the disgraceful offenses, the reprehensible wounds on the soul so easily re-torn, the scab once again bloodied.
In the fight with these fiends, it would seem the scene’s fittest description belongs to author James Joyce, who said:
“History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake.”
Guilt and regret are no small things. They’re real. They’re ruthless. But still, I am glad that the parishioners of pilgrim approach me—a curate of their soul and body—for help with these things. Not that I’m above the assaults of guilt and regret, or that I am somehow are immune to the venomous doses they’d try to administer. Believe me, I am not. I know my own sins, guilt, regret, all too well. I need a curate of my body and soul as well. Pastors need pastors. Because the called and ordained servants of Christ have the only antidote. Here in this place, at Pilgrim, I have been tasked with keeping it on hand for you. It can’t be self-administered. We all need those called ministers that stand in Christ stead and bring to us the only thing that can neutralize the venom and outmatch the darkly creatures of guilt and regret.
The Gospel.
Only the Gospel can bring these things into submission. A vacation can’t outwit them. They’ll be with you all along the way. Drugs and alcohol can’t do it. Then the fog of inebriation lifts, they’ll be there to serve you another drink or give you another syringe. Mortal distractions—a movie, a song, a good book—as wonderful as they might be, still, they can’t outrun them. When the credits are rolling, when the last song fades, and the hardcover closes, they’ll be ready to resume their feasting.
Others will try to rid themselves from guilt by attempting to do away with God altogether (as the atheists have done). Others try by legislating a new morality that accepts and praises their actions which caused them guilt (this much of modern American Christianity). However the guilt and regret still remain.
Only the Gospel can meet these monsters.
Only the Good News that Jesus Christ has taken upon Himself all of our sins of past, present, and future can meet these monsters each day right where they are and exceed their command. Only the powerful message of Christ Crucified in our place—the message of His deed of immeasurable mercy—can dress the Christian’s heart and mind with steely knowledge that Jesus has shackled guilt and regret to an inevitable end in darkness far from the glories of heaven. This same Gospel clears the penitent sinner’s cloudy sky, urging him or her to recall that even as guilt and regret remember everything, the only One who has the authority to grant entrance into heaven forgets.
“I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12).
Or as the ancient Bishop of Constantinople, John Chrysostom says,
God does not wait for time to elapse after repentance. You stated your sin, you are justified. You repented, you have been shown mercy. Time does not excuse, rather, God forgives.”
God forgets the sins of those who’ve been forgiven. And even as we so often try to present before Him our atrocious histories, He is far too preoccupied with the white robe of righteousness we are wearing by repentant faith. He is far to mindful of our being His absolved child, and with that, the case on your sins has been closed. There is nothing left to discuss in the matter. Not that He won’t discus it with you, of course. You belong with Him, and He loves you. When your hurting, He wants to help you. But as far as your sins are concerned, He’ll tell you the same thing I am telling you—which is that no matter what you’ve done, the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ has sealed the deal on eternity for all who believe in Him. No one can accus you with any legitimacy—not in heaven, in hell, or in-between. This means that at this very moment—and in every moment—you can live in the joyful freedom that “as far as the east is from the west, so far He has removed our transgression from us” (Psalm 103:12).
If you’re going to remember anything, let it be that.
In the Bonds of Christ,
Pastor Raffa.

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Pilgrim News
Concealed Carry Class / Serve Safe
The Concealed Carry Class will be led by Patty Kennedy on Saturday, October 8, 2022 here at Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church. The class lasts for four hours and will start promptly at 10:00 a.m. The cost for the class is $75.00. per person. There is a sign up sheet in the Narthex if you plan on attending.
Luther Hostel
This will be the second annual trip to the Luther Hostel at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. This year’s theme is Christian Worship: The Faithful Reception of God’s Gifts. Dates are November 2-4. The cost is $200.00 (includes all meals). Speakers include but not limited to: Dr. Benjamin Mayes, Dr. Paul Grime, Dr. William Weinrich, Dr. David Scaer and Dr. Todd Peperkorn. Pastor Raffa took a small group last year and stayed in campus housing which is only $30.00 a night. To see the schedule and more go online to ctsfw.edu/LutherHostel. If you would like to go, please let Pastor Raffa know as soon as possible.
Fall Clean –up
The date for the Pilgrim Fall Clean–up is set for Saturday, October 15 starting at 9:00 a.m. The rain (bad weather) date is set for Saturday, October 22 at 9:00 a.m. The #1 job on the list is landscaping projects. We are in need of young strong hands to help out with these projects. Please contact a Trustee if you will be able to help.
Fall Voters Assembly is scheduled for Sunday, October 30 , at Noon. All confirmed members 18 and above are encouraged to attend.
Pilgrim Quilters
The Quilting group of our Church meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Donated fabric is used to make the quilts for charity. Orphan Grain Train, Ex-Offenders Ministry, Family Promise, Carl’s Place, Habitat for Humanity and the Texas Hurricane Relief have received quilts that we have made. Please come and join us—you do not need to sew– we need “tyers” and help in laying out fabric.
If you have any questions, please call Judy Frank, 262-388-1210 or Janey Heckendorf, 262-388-1774.

Please join us for
LIFE CHAIN 2022
Sunday, October 2
Cedarburg – 1:00-3:30 pm at the intersection of Lincoln Blvd and Washington Ave
West Bend – 2:00-3:00 pm at W Paradise Dr and S. Main St
Life Chain is a silent prayer vigil by Christians to communicate their opposition to abortion. Participants prayerfully display uniform signs which state the truth about abortion. It is an opportunity for local churches to unite in prayer and stand for the rights of the unborn. Everyone who believes in the protection of unborn children and their mothers is invited to participate.
· The event will be safe, peaceful and legal
· You may bring chairs and strollers
· Signs will be provided
· All ages are welcome
· Come Rain or Shine
2 Chronicles 7:14-15… if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.
Ladies Guild/LWML
To God when we think of our Pilgrim Congregation.
Thanks to all who participated in ‘What’s Your 80?’
We were able to collect $121 for mites to give to our Missions Grants. The LWML celebrates 80 years focused on spreading the Gospel message. Praise God!
We will meet on Tuesday, October 18 at noon.
All Ladies of the congregation are welcome!
CUW
I am a student working with CUW administration to organize a large FMSC event. The goal is to pack enough meals to feed 1,000 children for one year.
The event will be on April 20th-22nd, 2023. We need to raise $100,000 so every bit counts. Here's the donation page: https://give.fmsc.org/campaign/2304-045sc-mequon-wi-1000-children-for-a-year/c427656
We aren't ready for volunteers yet, that will come in a few months. If you have any questions, please contact me, Isaiah Mudge, at: isaiah.mudge@cuw.edu

October 2022 — Page #

Board of elders report
Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church
Board of Elders Meeting Minutes
September 6, 2022
Attendees: Gary, Dan, Dave, Dennis, Patrick, Tanner, Ron, Pastor Fisher, Paster Raffa
The meeting began at 6:30 PM with song (“Wake, Awake, for the Night is Flying”) and devotion led by Pastor Fisher.
Pastor Fisher reported that Kurt has transferred to St. Johns of Pt. Washington where his father is a member. We discussed ideas for a new Elder to replace Kurt.
We broke for a short while to get our Elder group photograph for the new Pilgrim Directory.
We completed the Elder schedule for September through October 9.
The next elders meeting will be October 3 @ 6:30.
We decided to put off reviewing questions for Chapter 13 & 14 in “Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity” until our October 3 meeting.
Pastor Fisher reported that the Living Word Acapella Choir will be singing at both the early and late services at Pilgrim on October 30.
We had the Elder roundtable where we all had a chance to give updates.
Gary reported that there was a visitor to the late service on September 3 who came sometime during the sermon. He then left just before Holy Communion and went around the back of the church and came through the back door. We discussed having Elders and/or Ushers sitting in the back of the church so they can observe the main doors. A tree was also damaged by the truck.
Pastor Fisher reported that the church got an estimate to replace the light pole in the back parking lot which was hit by a truck and damaged. As part of that the light there and on one other light pole may be replaced with LED lights. A new sign will be placed at the entrance to warn that no trucks may enter.
Dennis asked about some burial plots that were purchased that were to be resold.
Patrick asked for a review of the procedure for giving communion in the pews in regard to the Elder waiting until the Pastor has dismissed the communicant before moving on to the next person. We went over the process for that.
Pastor Fisher gave us copies of Attendance/Communion cards used by St Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton. They have some good ideas on their card that we may want to incorporate in ours. Elders are to review these. We will discuss our ideas at our next Elder meeting.
Pastor Fischer reported that his visits to shut-ins are going well.
We discussed the Christmas day and New Year’s Day services, both which are on Sundays. We are planning on only having a 9am service instead of 8-10:30 services.
Pastor Raffa provided the his updates for June, July, and August his updates:
Pastoral Visitation/Official Acts
Shut-in or Hospital visits to
Ruth Mertz, Neal and Evelyn Schleif, Ron Virchow Sr., Inez Schwoch, Joanne Haller
Birth and Baptisms
June 30th emergency baptism of Ethan J. Tinlin at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee (child of Andrew and Rebecca). Will have an affirmation of baptism at church when Ethan and family are settled at home. Ethan arrived home on August 1st.
July 28th Alice Isabelle Hand was born (child of Jacob and Hannah). Baptism was on August 7th.
Funeral and Committal rites for Olivemae Olson (July 16th), Paul Soat (July 27), and Gertrude Sullivan (Aug 17th)
Other Items of Importance
Aug 11th Wade Janssen successfully completed his catechetical examination. He will move on to Lutheranism 103 (apologetics emphasis) in the fall with Pastor Fisher. Sept 3rd Matthias Raffa successfully completed his catechetical examination and will also enter Pastor Fisher’s Lutheranism 103 class. My Lutheranism 102 class will have two boys, Clayton Kempf and Josiah Rockrohr. No catechumens have sought out the assistance of the Lutheranism 101 class as of this report.

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Catechesis Schedule made out. A total of 31 Wednesdays. Potential Confirmation Day as May 3.
Put together New Testament Catechesis Schedule for Sunday School year of 2022-2023.The numbers for Sunday School typically can’t be determined until the first couple of weeks. We have a fair number in the lower grades, but much less in the upper grades. From a numbers perspective its defiantly getting smaller each year.
Attended the Bugenhagen Pastoral Conference (July 25-26).
Besides the three main speakers, I attended the following workshops:
Getting Better at Preaching: The Season of Easter (Rev. Mark Preus)
Let the Dust Stay on Your Feet: Having Pastoral Contentment in Your Divine Call (Rev. Benjamin Ball)
The Role of Circuit Visitors: Proper Care for Pastors and Congregations (Rev. John Wille).
Avoiding Ambiguity and Abstractions in Funeral Preaching (Rev. Stephen Preus)
Factual Numbers: Dealing with Delinquency (Rev. Joshua Conradt)
Becoming An Antifragile Pastor (Rev. Andrew Packer).
Preliminary discussions of educational opportunities at St. John’s in Port Washington. We are in the process of employing the Genesis Project. It is a feasibility study of possibly starting a Lutheran classical school at St John’s Lutheran in Port Washington.
October 8th 9:30-3:30 Classical Lutheran Seminar: And it Was Very Good: The best foundation for families today at Peace Lutheran Church in Sussex. 5$ dollars at the door. RSV Requested. Speakers include Rev. Brandon Koble and Rev. Stephen Kieser. See future Sunday Bulletins and Bulletin Board for more information.
Results of the survey of Thursday Divine Service time change. It was conducted over a three-week period.
6:00 (15 votes). 6:30 (12 votes). 7:00 (18 votes). What is the consensus of the Elders regarding the time of the Thursday Night Divine Service? Elders decided to keep Thursday service at 7:00 p.m. May revisit this at a later date and conduct another survey.
November 2-4 Luther Hostel at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN. Theme: Christian Worship: The Faithful Reception of God’s Gifts. Took a small group last year, looking for interested participants this year. See Pilgrim Herald for more information.
Altar Guild needs to know regarding scheduling of Divine Services for Thursday 12/22/2022 and Thursday 12/29/2022. After discussion, we will not have Divine Services on Thursday the 22nd and 29th of Dec. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day there will be only a 9am service.
Respectfully Submitted,
Pastor Raffa
The meeting ended with prayer at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Gary Jenovai

October 2022 — Page #

Church council Report
Church Council September 12, 2022 Minutes
The Pilgrim Church Council September 12, 2022 meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President, Bob Knuth. Also in attendance were Pastor Fisher, Pastor Raffa, Tanner Schmidt, Rob Selzler, Jacob Hand, Nancy Rosenthal, Mary Lehtimaki, Karen Spiering, and Jim Behrens.
Pastor Fisher began the meeting by leading a prayer and hymn.
A motion to accept the minutes of the June 13 meeting as published in the Herald was made by Pastor Fisher, seconded by Mary, and passed on voice vote.
Elders Report – Tanner Schmidt
The board is short one Elder as Kurt Meyle is transferring to another congregation. It was decided by unanimous consent to fill this position at the October 30 Voters’ Meeting.
The Living Word acapella choir will perform at both services at Pilgrim for Reformation Sunday, October 30.
Results of the survey regarding the time for Thursday evening services were mixed and inconclusive, so we will continue with the 7:00 p.m. service time. Several members commented that they could not attend if the time was earlier than 7:00 p.m.
Christmas and New Year’s Day are both on Sunday this year, so on those Sundays there will be a 9:00 a.m. service instead of the 8:00 and 10:30 services, and no Thursday evening service will be held for those weeks.
Trustees Report – Rob Selzler
Fall cleanup day will be October 15, with October 22 as a backup rain day. Members able to help are encouraged to participate.
Working on developing a Google calendar to keep track of all Pilgrim events in one place.
Looking into installing security cameras for the church properties.
Looking for recommendations for furnace, air conditioning, and plumbing contractors we could work with as needed.
Treasurers Report – Jacob Hand
Financial report year-to-date July 31 was presented and discussed and a motion to accept it, subject to audit, was made by Tanner, seconded by Nancy, and passed on voice vote.
Exploring the cost of outsourcing payroll processing.
Requested that we formally accept electronic funds transfer for Federal and Wisconsin payroll taxes, even though it has been done this way for several years. A motion to grant consent was made by Tanner, seconded by Nancy, and passed on voice vote.
Pastor Fisher’s Report
Extended thanks to the congregation for gifts given in honor of his dad. The money was given to the Pilgrim Endowment fund for education, etc. Also, thanks given for the time off to go and do the funeral.
Shut-in services and visits continue as normal.
Pastor Raffa’s Report
Four students in catechism class are doing very well.
Thursday morning 9:00 a.m. Bible Class continues, currently in chapter 27 of 1st Samuel. Sunday 12:30 p.m. Bible Class in currently in chapter 5 of 2nd Samuel.
Sunday School is studying New Testament Bible stories this year. Last Sunday five students, two teachers attended.
Is one of a group of pastors looking into the possibility of starting a Classical Lutheran School in the Port Washington area. On October 8 there will be retreat that will provide information on Classical Lutheran Schools at Peace Lutheran Church in Sussex WI from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact Pastor Raffa if interested in attending.
Looking for interested participants in a November 2-4 Luther Hostel at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne IN. The theme is Christian Worship: The Faithful Reception of God’s Gifts.
New Business
Bob Knuth appointed David Boehlke and Jim Behrens to update Pilgrim’s constitution into one document, including Pilgrim’s current constitution and bylaws, amendments that have been voted on and passed, and the Pilgrim Endowment Fund bylaws.
The next Voters’ Assembly will be Sunday, October 30 at 12 noon, following 2nd Service. All members, age 18 and over, are encouraged to attend.
Bob Knuth appointed all members of the Church Council to a 2023 Budget Committee to develop a suggested budget to be presented at the October 30 Voters’ Meeting.
A motion was made by Tanner and passed without objection to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting closed with a prayer by Pastor Raffa.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Behrens

October volunteer schedule
Sunday, October 2: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Julie R.
Altar Guild: Laurie L. / Nancy R.
Elder:
Usher Team: 3 / 2
Acolyte:
Thursday, October 6: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder:
Usher Team: B
Sunday, October 9: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Nancy A.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Julie R.
Elder:
Usher Team: 1 / 4
Acolyte:
Thursday, October 13: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Karen S.
Elder:
Usher Team: A
Sunday, October 16: 8:00 a. m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Office
Altar Guild: Norma B. / Carolyn M.
Elder:
Usher Team: 3 / 8
Acolyte:
Thursday, October 20: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ruth K.
Elder:
Usher Team: B
Sunday, October 23: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Kathy P.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Rita F.
Elder:
Usher Team: 1 / 2
Acolyte:
Thursday, October 27: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder:
Usher Team: A
Sunday, October 30: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Caryn L. Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Rita F.
Elder:
Usher Team: 3 / 4
Acolyte:

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Membership report
Baptized:
Landon Matthew Kemeny September 25, 2022
Son of Matthew and Samantha Kemeny
Transferred In: None
Transferred Out: None
Released from Membership:
Darleen Baerenwald
Deaths:
Ron Virchow September 19, 2022
Funeral September 24, 2022
June Fry September 28, 2022

October 2022— Page #

The sin of racism: A Gospel response by Rev. Matthew Harrison, President LCMS
Racism is a reality. In our ever more sin-sick world, incidents like the crazed and premeditated murders in Buffalo, N.Y., which took the lives of beloved fathers, mothers, sons and daughters just because they were black, plague us. The perpetrator was both mentally ill and racist. We are reminded of the racist sins of the previous generations even as we face present racism. The sin of racism is not simply something “out there.” Sin, including racism, is an ever-present reality to which we are all susceptible because of our sinful nature. Everyone has the sinful propensity to pre-judge and mistreat other children of God based upon their skin color, culture or some other difference we perceive. But “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11).
Many, including some in the LCMS, have embraced a response to racism similar to that advocated by Ibram X. Kendi in his 2019 book, How to Be an Antiracist. In his book, Kendi asserts that the claim to not be racist or state “I am not racist” is not sufficient and even betrays a racist attitude. One must be “antiracist” by actively opposing racist policies. In Chapter 1, Kendi states, “A racist is someone who is supporting a racist policy by their actions or inaction or expressing a racist idea.”
Kendi casts a very wide net. He asserts that aspects of President Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” promoted racist policies. He asserts that the great W.E.B. Du Bois promoted a racist idea when he argued that black Americans should assimilate into the larger culture. He asserts that Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama promoted racist views for calling on the black community to concentrate on creating stronger families (a challenge shared by all of us). Kendi also asserts that “tough on crime” legislation and efforts to defend religious freedom are inherently racist.
In Chapter 15, Kendi asserts that “homophobia” and “transphobia” are racist. The church does not fear homosexual or trans people. The church preaches repentance and faith to all people according to God’s Word. We are all sinners. We all need the forgiveness of Jesus promised and delivered in the Gospel.
Kendi says “patriarchy” is racist (that includes churches like the LCMS that have a male-only clergy). Women who support such systems are also racist. Any refusal to support the current global warming agenda is likewise racist because, he opines, the effects of global warming most intensely affect peoples of the Global South. Kendi says standardized tests are racist. He also accuses of racism any black person who does not concur with his approach. In a video, he asserted that Christian missions are illegitimate, since they are the attempt of white missionaries to force Africans and others to acquiesce to white standards of morality.
My deepest concern is that Kendi promotes a virulently anti-Christian philosophy. Can you imagine St. Paul preaching in the sex-crazed world of the Gentiles of his time without the call for repentance, especially for sexual immorality? (Romans 1–2; see also Acts 15, where the Apostolic Council wisely refused to impose the Mosaic law upon converts but urged the abstaining from sexual immorality). There is no room in Kendi’s “antiracism” for God’s Law or the one truth of the Gospel for all people. There is no room for the clear teaching of Holy Scripture on matters of marriage and sexuality.
What bothers me most is that this philosophy teaches that every Bible-believing Christian, or anyone who holds virtually any conservative view, is racist. That is not true or acceptable. Least of all is it acceptable in the church’s schools and institutions. Should Kendi be read and studied? To be sure, since his voice is popular and influential. But we must set forth biblical truth on these and all matters. We need to continue to articulate and act on a truly God-pleasing approach that condemns all sin, including racism, and articulates God’s love in Christ for all. We must continue to treat all people as God’s creatures, taking seriously sin and grace. Kendi does not offer a prescription for the end of racism. In the end, he increases it. What he offers is a substitute religion that brooks no dissent from his views.
There is no one Christian policy or position on (much of) crime, poverty, state assistance, immigration, global warming, etc. That’s why the LCMS makes few statements on policy matters, but rather urges Christians to be good citizens and to act justly when they participate in the secular realm. Christians are free to make decisions that they believe are for the good of the world.
Some ask what the LCMS is doing about racism. The most important thing we do and have done is teach our people that racism is sinful and that God loves all people in Christ. Since the 1950s, the LCMS has specifically rejected discrimination and racism no fewer than 39 times in convention. The Synod has officially rejected segregated housing and many other racist practices. Have we always lived up to God’s intention in this matter? Certainly not. God’s Law demands perfection and always condemns. But we continue to call all to repent, to be forgiven in Christ, to move forward in love and respect, and to act as responsible Christians and citizens. I urge you all to read Racism and the Church by our own Commission on Theology and Church Relations.
I also encourage you to buy Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (2017) from Concordia Publishing House. In the explanation section following Luther’s Small Catechism, the discussion concerning the Fifth Commandment (You shall not murder) offers compelling texts of Scripture that preclude all violence and encourage love and care for our neighbor. Here’s what the catechism explanation on the Fifth Commandment says about racism in particular:
Question 62. How does this commandment apply to some specific issues today?
E. It forbids hating, despising, or slandering other groups of people (prejudice, racism, and so forth).
Acts 17:26 [God] made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and boundaries of their dwelling place.
James 2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 John 3:15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, … saying, “You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
Our teaching on racism and other issues is rooted deeply in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, the Bible contains the strongest antiracist teaching in the history of the world:
1. Each and every person is descended from Adam, who was made in the image of God. We are one race.
2. Each and every person has the exact same problem; original sin is the great equalizer (Rom. 3:23; 5:12-14).
3. Each and every human being’s worth has been established by nothing less than the very blood of Jesus Christ (Mark 10:45; 1 John 1:5–7).
4. Each and every person is dearly loved by God (John 3:16; 1 John 1:7–9; 1 Tim. 2:4).
With 5,700 active pastors and 20,000 teachers and other church workers daily preaching and teaching that violence and discrimination are sinful, even with our weaknesses, the LCMS is a powerhouse of clear teaching of love and respect for all people.
I am going to ask some of our theologians to give a biblical response to critical theory and to equip our people with resources to navigate these challenging times. We are already working with one of our Concordia universities to create a curriculum that will address unity and diversity from a thoroughly biblical perspective; once ready, we will make it available to other Concordias too. This fall, the Making Disciples for Life conference will engage these topics, and I encourage you to attend.
The church cannot follow the world. The church should not get itself balled up in secular policy debates when the Bible does not clearly mandate one Christian response. The Christian lives in two realms, state and church. Christians recognize this country has a tragic history of state-sponsored racism. We also note with thanksgiving how much progress the nation has made. Christians as citizens should involve themselves in the secular/political world as appropriate to their vocations. Christians should vote. Christians will not always come to the same conclusions on these matters. Christians walk according to Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Meanwhile, the church has THE antiracist policy — the Gospel.
The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison is president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

October 2022 — Page #

(Continued from page 9)
and citizens. I urge you all to read Racism and the Church by our own Commission on Theology and Church Relations.
I also encourage you to buy Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (2017) from Concordia Publishing House. In the explanation section following Luther’s Small Catechism, the discussion concerning the Fifth Commandment (You shall not murder) offers compelling texts of Scripture that preclude all violence and encourage love and care for our neighbor. Here’s what the catechism explanation on the Fifth Commandment says about racism in particular:
Question 62. How does this commandment apply to some specific issues today?
E. It forbids hating, despising, or slandering other groups of people (prejudice, racism, and so forth).
Acts 17:26 [God] made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and boundaries of their dwelling place.
James 2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 John 3:15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, … saying, “You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
Our teaching on racism and other issues is rooted deeply in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, the Bible contains the strongest antiracist teaching in the history of the world:
1. Each and every person is descended from Adam, who was made in the image of God. We are one race.
2. Each and every person has the exact same problem; original sin is the great equalizer (Rom. 3:23; 5:12-14).
3. Each and every human being’s worth has been established by nothing less than the very blood of Jesus Christ (Mark 10:45; 1 John 1:5–7).
4. Each and every person is dearly loved by God (John 3:16; 1 John 1:7–9; 1 Tim. 2:4).
With 5,700 active pastors and 20,000 teachers and other church workers daily preaching and teaching that violence and discrimination are sinful, even with our weaknesses, the LCMS is a powerhouse of clear teaching of love and respect for all people.
I am going to ask some of our theologians to give a biblical response to critical theory and to equip our people with resources to navigate these challenging times. We are already working with one of our Concordia universities to create a curriculum that will address unity and diversity from a thoroughly biblical perspective; once ready, we will make it available to other Concordias too. This fall, the Making Disciples for Life conference will engage these topics, and I encourage you to attend.
The church cannot follow the world. The church should not get itself balled up in secular policy debates when the Bible does not clearly mandate one Christian response. The Christian lives in two realms, state and church. Christians recognize this country has a tragic history of state-sponsored racism. We also note with thanksgiving how much progress the nation has made. Christians as citizens should involve themselves in the secular/political world as appropriate to their vocations. Christians should vote. Christians will not always come to the same conclusions on these matters. Christians walk according to Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Meanwhile, the church has THE antiracist policy — the Gospel.
The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison is president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Communal Prayers
For Refuge in the grace of God: Lord, I receive all Your mercy, goodness, and grace as a sinner and hopeless man, whatever I do, deserving eternal wrath if You should treat me according to Your justice and merits. But I do not look at my own sin, nor what I have earned, but Your Word and earnest command, by which You call, admonish, and threaten all of us to bring no work before You in order to earn something, but to receive the forgiveness of sins and every benefit from You Fatherly goodness, and stand and abide in the pure confidence of Your grace. Amen.
A Prayer for sincere mercy and forgiveness of sins: O God, no man or creature can help or comfort me, so great is my misery; for my aliment is not physical or temporal. Therefore, You being God, and the One always able to help me, have mercy on me! But I beseech You of Your kindness to have mercy on me—not the lesser mercy which You show temporarily for physical distress, but Your greater mercy which You show for the distress of the soul. Have mercy on me and forgive me my sin. Amen.
For Fervent Faith: My Lord Jesus Christ, You are the only Shepherd, and I, alas, am the lost sheep which went astray, and I am in anguish and fear and wish that I might be righteous and have a gracious God and peace in my conscience. Thus, I hear that You are as worried about me as I am about You, and I am axious and distressed until I come You and am helped. Likewise, You are anxious and concerned and desire nothing other than that You may bring me back to you. Therefore come to me, seek and find me, and I may come to You and praise and honor You forever. Amen.
Prayer when someone comes to the true knowledge of his sins: Dear God, I confess to You I am a great sinner, and the Ten Commandments drive and thrust me down to hell, but the Gospel teaches me that this is to be regarded as the highest wisdom: to know and believe that it is Your will to be gracious and help poor, condemned sinners, and to this end You have founded a kingdom through Christ. Therefore I take these together in one word and confession: I am a sinner, yet God is merciful to me; I am Your enemy, but You are my friend only; I ought to be condemned, but I know that You do not wish to condemn me, but to save me and have me as an heir of heaven. Indeed, You wish it to be so. You have preached this to me and commanded me to believe it for the sake of Your dear Son, whom you gave up for me. Amen.
Family and friends requesting our prayers: Russell & Jeanette Guillaume, David Olson, Joyce Virchow ., Dave Gronowski, Richard Lewandowski, Ethan Tinlin, Mark Selzler, Rev. Clark Davis, Patricia Wirtz, Sheryl Pajewski, Carl & Lois Pritzlaff, Paul Lierman, Sherry Cullen, Judy Clark, Inez Schwoch, Deb Sumner, Chloe Fisher, Ruth Mertz, Jerry Sullivan, Donna Sommer, June Fry, David Olson, Eric Johanen, Diane Behrens, Marge Legate, Suzanne Stadelmayer, Elaine Kuenzel, Ray & Frances Neerhoff, Linda Schmidt, Travis Winkler, Brian Vonlender, Scot Meisenheimer, Thomas Kramlik, and Jody Meisenheimer

Voice of Faith

October 2022 — Page #

Birthdays
1- Suzy Schober
Rob Selzler
2- Jamie Mulvey
3- Tom Benz
Michael Schwittau
Dan Virchow
5- Robert Baerenwald
Jamison Mulvey, Jr.
Victoria Mulvey
Jim Stadelmayer
6- Dave Fellenz
Becky Ruppier
Jeremiah Sullivan
8- Kevin Hoffman
Michael Loomans
Carolyn McAfee
9- Nicole Kabitzke
Andrew Tinlin
10– Maggie Rockrohr
11– Barbara Jennrich
12– Jayden Groth-Guillaume
15– Kaitlyn Loomans
17– Derek Dich
Sophie Hand
18– Becky Woelfel
19– Eileen Mueller
20– Daniel Rockrohr
21– Ruth Kohler
Roger Kossert
22– Mark Schauland
Cara Schmidt
23– Elaine Kuenzel
Barbara Soat
24- Elizabeth Gatzow
25– Dorothy Kroll
Tiffany Wollner
26– Jami Held
28– Joshua Rockrohr
Anniversaries
5- Phillip & Jayne Gohr
8– Bill & Beverly Schepp
Dick & Karen Spiering
13- Richard & Caryn Lewandowski
23- Mark & Mary Schauland
28- Corey & Abby Janssen
29- Ed & Nancy Kleinke
30– David & Beth Brehm

Did You Know!?!
A new section for the Herald for those who would like to get out and enjoy for not a lot of money. If you have any idea’s for the Did You Know section, Please get your ideas to the office by the 15th of the month to have it included in the next months Herald.
Concert: Fall Band & Choir Senior Discounts are available at:
October 9, 2:30 PM Tuesdays at 10% discount at Good Will
Kettle Moraine HS Wednesdays 15% discount at Kohls
3399 Division Road Thursdays 20% discount at the Restore
Jackson, WI 53037 Corner of Jefferson & Barton
262-677-4051
Play: The Trials of Robin Hood Play : Clue (Based on the Board Game0
Friday , October 28, 7:00 PM October 7-8-9 & 14-15-17, 2022
Saturday, October 29, 2:00 PM UWM—Wash Co. Theater on the Hill
Kettle Moraine HS 400S University Dr. West Bend 53095
3399 Division Road Tickets Available online.
Jackson, WI 53037
262-677-4051
Ticket information coming as the event nears
We Energies 2022 Cookie Book available @ weenergies.com call now and they will ship to your house, arrive by 7th (or) you can pick up in West Bend, Wisconsin (Washington County Fair Park, ) November 10th from 10-2 PM, All distributions are drive-thru only.

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

October 2022						1 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
2 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Bible Studies / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30p Adult Class: 2nd Samuel	3 / 6:30p Board of Elders Meeting	4	5 / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class:	6 / 9a. Adult Class:1st Samuel / 7p Divine Service	7 / Office Closed	8 / 10a Serve Safe Concealed Carry Class
9 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Bible Studies / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30 p Adult Class; 2nd Samuel	10 / 5:30p Board of Trustees Meeting / 7p Church Council Meeting	11	12 / 9a. Pilgrim Quilters / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class:	13 / 9a. Adult Class:1st Samuel / 7p Divine Service	14 / Office Closed	15 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study / 9a Fall Clean Up
16 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Bible Studies / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30 p Adult Class 2nd Samuel	17	18 / 12p LWML / Ladies Guild Meeting	19 / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class:	20 / 9a. Adult Class:1st Samuel / 7p Divine Service	21 / Office Closed	22 / 9a Rain Date Fall Clean Up
23 / 8a Divine Service / 30 / 9:15a Sunday School: / 9:30a Adult Class: 8a. / 10:30a Divine Service Divine Serv. / 12:30p. Adult BC. 9:15a S.S / 9:30 a Adult Class / 10:30 a Divine Service / 12:00 p. Fall Voters meeting	24 / 31 / Reformation / Day	25	26 / 9a. Pilgrim Quilters / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class:	27 / 9a. Adult Class:1st Samuel / 7p Divine Service	28 / Office Closed	29 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study

#

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

#

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

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

“But inasmuch as you are always full of cares and distracted amidst the things of this life, at least then remember God on your bed. At the morning dawn meditate upon God. If at the morning dawn we meditate on these things, we shall go forth to our business with much security. If we have first made God propitious by prayer and supplication, going forth we shall have no enemy.”
John Chrysostom

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

Inside this Issue:
Pilgrim News & Reports
3-7
Sin of Racism, A Gospel Response / President Harrison.
8
Did You Know!?!
11
Communal Prayers
10
Birthdays & Anniversaries
11
Calendar
12

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)