Author: Julie Raffa

June 2025

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

“So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”” John 19:16b-19

Faithful use of Symbols of the faith
After last month’s excellent article by Pastor Raffa on “Processing in Christ” I’ve be pondering what to share this month and on Friday morning at Matins we read parts of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther’s writing titled “Against the Heavenly Prophets” in which he addressed the Christian life and the use of symbols of the faith like a Crucifix and its appropriateness for a Christian to have. I believe this is a great article and needs to be read and rightly understood by us all. I pray this article aids you as it did me on the use of imagines in worship at home and church.
To give you some background information, Luther is attempting to deal with the radical reformers like Dr. Andreas Karlstadt, (he and other radical reformers Luther refers to as “prophets” in a mocking way) a former fellow professor with Luther who began teaching that everything that the Roman Catholics had was evil, and so stained glass windows, crucifixes, statues and the like he wanted destroyed, rather than teach a proper understanding of these images of the faith.
Luther write: First, that each one with complete earnestness pray God for a right understanding and for his holy, pure Word. In view of the fact that under such a mighty prince and god of this world—the devil—it is not within our power to preserve either the faith or God’s Word, there must be divine power which protects it, as Psalm 12 well prays and says [Ps. 12:6–8], “The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure, purified seven times. Do thou, O Lord, protect us, guard us ever from this generation. On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the sons of men.” If we boast that we have God’s word and do not take care as to how we are to keep it, it is soon lost.
Second, we, too, ought to do our part and not close our eyes, but be on our guard. For God nonetheless always holds his grace firmly over the world, so that he permits no false prophets to attempt anything except something external, such as works and subtle minute discoveries about external things. No one concerns himself with faith and a good conscience before God, but only with what glitters and shines before reason and the world… So our concern here should now be that we keep these two teachings far apart from each other: the one that teaches of the main articles, to govern the conscience in the spirit before God; the other, which teaches of things external or works. For more depends on the teaching of faith and a good conscience than on the teaching of good works. When works are lacking, help and counsel are at hand so that one can produce them if the teaching of faith remains firm and pure. But if the teaching of faith is placed in the background and works are put forward, then nothing can be good and there is neither counsel nor help. Then works lead to vain glory and seem to people to be something great, while God’s glory disappears.
So it is with these honor-seeking prophets who do nothing but break images, destroy churches, manhandle the sacrament, and seek a new kind of mortification, that is, a self-chosen putting to death of the flesh. Thus far they have not set aright the conscience, which is nonetheless most important and most necessary in the Christian teaching, as has been said.… I will here briefly recount these articles of the Christian faith to which everyone is above all things to pay attention and hold fast.
The first is the law of God, which is to be preached so that one thereby reveals and teaches how to recognize sin (Rom. 3[:20] and 7[:7]), as we have often shown in our writings. However, these prophets do not understand this correctly, for this means a truly spiritual preaching of the law, as Paul says in Rom. 7[:14], and a right use of the law, as he says in 1 Tim. 1[:8].
Secondly, when now sin is recognized and the law is so preached that the conscience is alarmed and humbled before God’s wrath, we are then to preach the comforting word of the gospel and the forgiveness of sins, so that the conscience again may be comforted and established in the grace of God, etc. Christ himself teaches these two articles in such an order (Luke 24[:47]). One must preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins in his name. “And the Spirit (he says in John [16:8]) will convince the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment.” You do not find either of these two articles in this one or any other of the false prophets. They also do not understand them, and yet these are the most important and necessary articles.
Now the third is judgment, the work of putting to death the old man, as in Romans 5; 6, and 7. Here works are concerned, and also suffering and affliction, as we through our own discipline and fasting, watching, labor, etc., or through other persecution and disgrace put to death our flesh. This putting to death is also not handled correctly by these false prophets. For they do not accept what God gives them, but what they themselves choose. They wear gray garb, would be as peasants, and carry on with similar foolish nonsense.
In the fourth place, such works of love toward the neighbor should flow forth in meekness, patience, kindness, teaching, aid, and counsel, spiritually and bodily, free and for nothing, as Christ has dealt with us.
In the fifth and last place, we ought to proclaim the law and its works, not for the Christians, but for the crude and unbelieving. For among Christians we must use the law spiritually, as is said above, to reveal sin. But among the crude masses, on Mr. Everyman, we must use it bodily and roughly, so that they know what works of the law they are to do and what works ought to be left undone. Thus they are compelled by sword and law to be outwardly pious, much in the manner in which we control wild animals with chains and pens, so that external peace will exist among the people. To this end temporal authority is ordained, which God would have us honor and fear (Rom. 13[:1]; 1 Pet. 3) [1 Pet. 2:13, 17].
However, we must see to it that we retain Christian freedom and do not force such laws and works on the Christian conscience, as if one through them were upright or a sinner.… Dr. Karlstadt and his spirits replace the highest with the lowest, the best with the least, the first with the last. Yet he would be considered the greatest spirit of all, he who has devoured the Holy Spirit feathers and all.…
I approached the task of destroying images by first tearing them out of the heart through God’s Word and making them worthless and despised. This indeed took place before Dr. Karlstadt ever dreamed of destroying images. For when they are no longer in the heart, they can do no harm when seen with the eyes. But Dr. Karlstadt, who pays no attention to matters of the heart, has reversed the order by removing them from sight and leaving them in the heart. For he does not preach faith, nor can he preach it; unfortunately, only now do I see that. Which of these two forms of destroying images is best, I will let each man judge for himself.
For where the heart is instructed that one pleases God alone through faith, and that in the matter of images nothing that is pleasing to him takes place, but is a fruitless service and effort, the people themselves willingly drop it, despise images, and have none made. But where one neglects such instruction and forces the issue, it follows that those blaspheme who do not understand and who act only because of the coercion of the law and not with a free conscience. Their idea that they can please God with works becomes a real idol and a false assurance in the heart. Such legalism results in putting away outward images while filling the heart with idols.… I will first discuss images according to the law Of Moses, and then according to the gospel. And I say at the outset that according to the law of Moses no other images are forbidden than an image of God which one worships. A crucifix, on the other hand, or any other holy image is not forbidden. Heigh now! you breakers of images, I defy you to prove the opposite!… Concerning this I have a powerful passage in Lev. 26[:1], “I am the Lord your God. You shall make for yourselves no idols and erect no graven image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land, to bow down to them.”… It is because of worship that idols and figured stones are forbidden. It is without doubt so that they will not be worshiped, and where they are not worshiped they might well be set up and made. What would be the need otherwise of referring to bowing down? Therefore the “making” in the first commandment must refer to worshiping and to no more. So also in Deut. 4[:15f.], where he forbids the making of images, the passage speaks clearly of worship.…
We have also an example of this in the Old Testament. For Joshua (Josh. 24[:26]) set up a cairn at Shechem under an oak as a testimony, etc., even though above in Lev. 26[:1] the setting up of such cairns was as strictly forbidden as the images. However, because it was a stone of testimony, and not for worship, he did not do this against the commandment. Thereafter also Samuel (1 Sam. 7[:12]) set up a stone and called it Stone of Help. This was also forbidden, as has been said, but because no worship but only remembrance was intended, he did not sin.… However to speak evangelically of images, I say and declare that no one is obligated to break violently images even of God, but everything is free, and one does not sin if he does not break them with violence. One is obligated, however, to destroy them with the Word of God, that is, not with the law in a Karlstadtian manner, but with the gospel. This means to instruct and enlighten the conscience that it is idolatry to worship them, or to trust in them, since one is to trust alone in Christ. Beyond this let the external matters take their course. God grant that they may be destroyed, become dilapidated, or that they remain. It is all the same and makes no difference, just as when the poison has been removed from a snake.… But images for memorial and witness, such as crucifixes and images of saints, are to be tolerated. This is shown above to be the case even in the Mosaic law. And they are not only to be tolerated, but for the sake of the memorial and the witness they are praiseworthy and honorable, as the witness stones of Joshua [Josh. 24:26] and of Samuel (1 Sam. 7[:12]).… Now we do not request more than that one permit us to regard a crucifix or a saint’s image as a witness, for remembrance, as a sign… It is to be sure better to paint pictures on walls of how God created the world, how Noah built the ark, and whatever other good stories there may be, than to paint shameless worldly things. Yes, would to God that I could persuade the rich and the mighty that they would permit the whole Bible to be painted on houses, on the inside and outside, so that all can see it. That would be a Christian work.
Of this I am certain, that God desires to have his works heard and read, especially the passion of our Lord. But it is impossible for me to hear and bear it in mind without forming mental images of it in my heart. For whether I will or not, when I hear of Christ, an image of a man hanging on a cross takes form in my heart, just as the reflection of my face naturally appears in the water when I look into it. If it is not a sin but good to have the image of Christ in my heart, why should it be a sin to have it in my eyes? This is especially true since the heart is more important than the eyes, and should be less stained by sin because it is the true abode and dwelling place of God.…
shameless worldly things. Yes, would to God that I could persuade the rich and the mighty that they would permit .
I pray this is helpful .
Rev. Joseph Fisher
Hebrews 12:1-2
Luther, M. (1999). Luther’s works, vol. 40: Church and Ministry II (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald, & H. T. Lehmann, Eds.; Vol. 40, pp. 80—100. Fortress Press.
Pilgrim News
Lutheran Witness
The Lutheran Witness is 11 issues, the June/July is a combined issue.
The new subscription year starts September 2025. The price for a 1 year subscription is $20.65 ($1.72 per issue) .
If you are going to be renewing your subscription or starting a new subscription, please have your check made out to Pilgrim Lutheran Church with Lutheran Witness on the memo line. $20.65 per subscription.
Please get your information and check to the office by July 1, 2025 so we can either continue your subscription or start a new one for you.

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Are You Willing to Serve?
The Altar Guild is looking for several people who are willing to help out with the Altar duties. Training with an Altar Guild member will be done until you are comfortable doing what needs to be done by yourself. If you are willing to serve on the Altar Guild please contact Carolyn McAfee for more information, 262- 305-9776. Please remember that the need is urgent as we do not have enough members to cover all of the services.
Pantry Needs
We as always appreciate any and all donations to the Pilgrim Pantry.
Right now we are in great need of Toilet paper, Paper towels and Dish Soap.
Thank you in advance.
Recycling Event
Saturday June 7, at GFL Transfer at 803 River Road, West Bend
Accepted items for Recycling: Unacceptable items: Computers – CPUs Microwaves
Computer monitors Smoke alarms and detectors Computer peripherals Fire alarms and detectors
Printers Thermometers
Fax machines Dehumidifiers
Keyboards Large appliances
Photocopiers (refrigerators, etc.)
Televisions Medical equipment
VCRs Any unit with sludge Stereos or liquids
Home and office phones Cell phones
Consumer electronics
Proof of residency (i.e. driver’s license, utility bill, etc.) is required upon arrival. For more information or questions, please contact the City of West Bend Pub- lic Works Department at (262) 335-5079.
Carolyn M. is willing to take things for drop off if you have your items here that day and there would be someone to help in loading up her vehicle.
June Voter’s Meeting
Is scheduled for June 22, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
All confirmed members 18 and up are encouraged to attend.
Pastor Raffa’s Thursday morning Bible Class will resume on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
They will be starting the Book of Lamentations.

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Board of elders report
Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church
Board of Elders Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2025
Attendees: Pastor Fisher, Pastor Raffa, Gary, Tim, Dan, Patrick, Kent, Keith
Absent: Ron, Jeff, Sam
The meeting began at 6:30 PM with the “Close of The Day” daily prayer and song “He is Risen! Glorious Word” which was led by Pastor Raffa.
We reviewed questions 14-25 from the Introduction in “Embracing Your Lutheran Identity” by Gene Edward Veith Jr. We will review Chapter 1 “The Early Church And You” at our June elder meeting.
We completed the Elder schedule through mid-June.
At our December Elder Meeting we will review Chapter 17-18 (“The Lord’s Prayer”) from “Why I Am Joy:Fully Lutheran”..
Elder Roundtable:
Pastor Fisher
Reminded us that Family Night will be held at Pilgrim this Saturday May 10 from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM.
The next men’s bible study is Saturday, May 10 at 7:00 AM where they will begin the study of Acts.
He is planning his vacation this summer as is Pastor Raffa. They are coordinating their dates and have not finalized the dates yet.
Had his 60th birthday and said he appreciated all of the birthday wishes.
Paster Raffa
Asked the elders if they had received any feedback on is recent session.
Said we are reviewing processionals, design, and usage.
Patrick
Brought up the possibility of adding a dimmer switch to the sanctuary lighting. This would help with Christmas Eve, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil Services when lights need to be dimmed. Perhaps the Trustees could investigate.
The next elders meeting is Monday, June 2 @ 6:30PM.
The meeting ended with prayer at 8:30 PM.

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Church council Report Church Council May 11th, 2025, Minutes
The May 11th, 2025, Pilgrim Church Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President David Boehlke. Also, in attendance were, Phillip Gohr, Paul Grosskreuz, Jacob Hand, Ron Kabitzke, and Ruth Kohler. Pastor Fisher and Pastor Raffa were both absent as they were attending the District Pastors Conference in LaCross, WI. Monday through Wednesday.
President Boehlke began the meeting by calling for a motion to approve the April 14th, 2025, meeting minutes as published. Motion by Ron Kabitzke, second by Paul Grosskreuz, carried.
Parliamentary Review: Listed in second bullet point of “Unfinished Business”, found below.
Elders Report – Ron Kabitzke presented his report. In addition, there was discussion on the use of a processional cross during church services.
Report as published in the Herald.
Trustees Report – Paul Grosskreuz
Board met and handled all May bills.
Reminder of scheduled for church clean-up day for May 17th, project list to be created.
Board members went outside to review areas needing work and how to address.
Issue with non-church members using our garbage being addressed with camera and signage.
Board of Christian Education – No report.
Treasurer’s Report – Jacob Hand
See the Treasurer’s report in this month’s Herald.
Motion to remove GFL Environmental, promissory note, Concordia Publishing, and add Paycor, to the
“Approved Vendor/Payee” list. Motion by Treasurer Hand, second by Ron Kabitzke, carried.
Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report pending audit by Ron Kabitzke, second by Paul Grosskreuz, carried.
Pastor Raffa’s Report:
No report as Pastor Raffa was absent.
Pastor Fisher’s Report:
No report as Pastor Fisher was absent.
At Large Member’s Reports
Ruth Kohler – No report.
Carolyn McAfee was not present but sent a message regarding the West Bend Recycling June 7th of electronics, and CTSFW - Luther Hostel - “What is a confessional Lutheran” Conference being held November 5th – 7th. These event notices to be added to the Herald.
Lisa Hills was not present but sent a message regarding volunteering for the church records recording effort.
Committees:
No reports.
Unfinished Business:
Nominating Committee to be appointed at the June Council Meeting.
What is the optimum number of Elders and Trustees? We will need these numbers at the June Council Meeting. Part of the Parliamentary Review shows the Constitution requires a minimum of 4 Elders, 3 Trustees, 3 Board of Christian Education, and 3 for Council (these three would be the “At Large Members”) The Constitution requires at least 2 nominees for each of these positions.
Church Records electronic searchable system discussion.
Trustees spending limits.
Developing calendar of required actions by Council or Voters discussion.
Communication (mail):
Photo Directory provider.
New Business:
June Voter’s Meeting was set for Sunday June 22nd, 2025.
Budget Committee discussion.
All items having been addressed, there was a motion to adjourn by Ron Kabitzke, second by Paul Grosskreuz, carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Phillip Gohr

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Board of Trustees
Pilgrim Lutheran Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
May 12th, 2025
Attendees: Paul Grosskreuz, Dave Fellenz, Judy Spiegel, Scott Densow
Absent: Pastor Raffa, Pastor Fisher, Jamison Mulvey, Joe Hills
The board of trustees met at 5:30pm on May 12th.
Group worked to review/approve monthly bills
Church cleanup scheduled for 17th May. 8:00 to noon
Paul to create cleanup day project list
Discuss garbage comments from Rob – still getting non-church garbage in dumpster
Scott to add signs and camera near area to discourage garbage dumping
Board members walked around property to plan for cleanup day
Scott to spray and clean up area near rear door (near HVAC units)
Repairs completed:
HVAC for Sunday school area fixed – unit reset and filters replaced
Repairs needed (priorities in bold):
Look into pulpit, lectern, altar microphones – Samuel B. – under evaluation
Mason work at rear HVAC surround (southwest corner) – Paul to contact mason
Need to finish dishwasher vent at parsonage #1
Add leaf guards on gutters at parsonage #2 – measured for ~150’ - Paul
Inside doors scraping tile at North and South entrance – Paul to review with David B.
Look at sealing around doors/windows at parsonage #2. - Paul
Look at garage to house access door bottom seal at parsonage #2 – Pr. Fisher
Look at painting of front bay window at parsonage #2 – Paul to talk to Roger
Parsonages roof evaluation to be done at spring cleaning.
Narthex area hand sanitizer needs refilling
Meeting ended at 6:15
Respectfully submitted by Paul Grosskreuz.

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month volunteer schedule
Sunday, June 1: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Nancy Audley
Altar Guild: Laurie Lotz / Rita Frank
Elder: Dan Schmidt / Keith Schuette
Usher Team: 1 / 4
Thursday, June 5: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny Schober
Elder: Jeff Schneeweis
Usher Team: B
Sunday, June 8: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Kathryn Parker
Altar Guild: Nancy Rosenthal /Deb. Brathovde
Elder: Ron Kabitzke / Tim Kreuser
Usher Team: 3 / 2
Thursday, June 12: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Karen Spiering
Elder: Kent Voll
Usher Team: A
Sunday, June 15: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Lisa Hills
Altar Guild: Nancy Rosenthal /
Elder: Tim Kreuser / Gary Jenovai
Usher Team: 1 / 4
Thursday, June 19: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ruth Kohler
Elder: Jeff Schneeweis
Usher Team: B
Sunday, June 22: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Nicole Kabitzke
Altar Guild: Lisa Hills / Rita Frank
Elder: Tim Kreuser / Dan Schmidt
Usher Team: 3 / 2
Thursday, June 26: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny Schober
Elder: Kent Voll
Usher Team: A
Sunday, June 29: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Nancy Audley
Altar Guild: Nancy Rosenthal / Deb Brathovde
Elder: Dan Schmidt / Keith Schuette
Usher Team: 1 / 4

Membership report
Baptized: None
Transferred In: None
Affirmation of Faith: Angel Schmitt
Transferred Out: None
Released from Membership:
Deaths: James Hanson May 16, 2025
Craig Martinez May 21, 2025

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Giving Opportunities At Pilgrim
There are many ways to support the work that Pilgrim does for us and others.
The most common way is through your Offering envelopes. If you have not picked yours up yet they are in the Cry room. If you do not have envelopes and would like them please contact the office.
Pilgrim has a PayPal account, please see the Pilgrim web page at: www.pilgrimlutheran-westbend.org click on the link at the bottom of the page. Please note: Your donation statement will be coming from PayPal and not from Pilgrim.
Members who are aged 70 1/2 or older can contribute up to $100,000 from their IRA directly to a charity and avoid paying income taxes on the distribution.
This is known as a qualified charitable distribution. It is limited to IRA’s. If you are interested in this type of giving, please contact Pastor Fisher.
Thrivent Choice is another good way to support Pilgrim.
To direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars call 1-800-847-4836 when prompted say Thrivent Choice. Press 1 to direct Thrivent Choice Dollars or 2 to hear Thrivent Choice Terms and conditions. (if prompted, say or enter your phone number and date of birth.)
A representative will work with you to direct the Choice Dollars.
You can also direct your Choice Dollars online.
Visit the Thrivent website at thrivent.com/thriventchoice
Click on Direct choice Dollars Log is by entering your User ID and Password. (If you have not registered on thrivent.com, click on Register for account access)
Choose the organization you what to direct Choice Dollars: To direct a previous organization: Click Direct Now next to the organizations name, or
Click on the View activity history link, scroll down and click on the name of the desired organization.
Choose Direct All or enter a specific number and click Direct Now. Follow prompts on the confirmation page to direct Choice Dollars.

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Briefs filed in support of Synod
By Cheryl Magness
On Nov. 8, 2022, the Board of Regents (BOR) of Concordia University Texas (CTX), Austin, Texas, voted to amend its governing documents in a bid to remove it from the governance and ecclesiastical supervision of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). The CTX board’s action was in direct violation of LCMS Bylaws, which state that a Concordia University System (CUS) institution may not change its own bylaws without the approval of the Synod’s Commission on Constitutional Matters of such changes as consistent with the Synod’s governing documents.
CTX, as an agency of the Synod, is subject — as has always been the case for all agencies — to the Constitution, Bylaws and resolutions of the Synod. These set forth clearly how the Synod’s universities are to be governed: not autonomously, as laws unto themselves, but — in the interest of maintaining unity of doctrine and practice, and in the diversity of gifts truly being for the good of all — as subject to the Synod.
After repeated appeals to CTX to reconsider its action, the LCMS filed a civil complaint against CTX — and several individuals connected to CTX leadership — on Sept. 1, 2023, in federal district court, seeking either the university’s return or damages. The filing came on the heels of the 2023 LCMS convention’s adoption of Resolution 7-03, which called for CTX “to submit to the governance of the Synod as laid out in the Constitution and Bylaws” and encouraged the LCMS Board of Directors to take “all appropriate actions to address this situation.”
The last public communication from the LCMS on the CTX matter was in September 2024 following CTX’s selection of a new president who was not authorized by the LCMS. At that time, in a letter to the CTX board, the CUS Board of Directors again appealed to CTX “to reverse course and undo the damage it has done to itself and the countless faithful individuals and congregations that founded, prayed for, attended and selflessly supported the school over these many years.” That reversal, however, has not happened.
In a recent interview with Reporter, LCMS Chief Administrative Officer Felix Loc reviewed the current state of the case. “It’s important to remember,” Loc said, “that recent developments in the case have focused not on the merits of the case but on jurisdiction.” Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases that feature parties from different states. The LCMS’ filing in 2023 was in federal court because CTX is in Texas and the LCMS is legally incorporated in Missouri.
CTX’s response to the LCMS filing was to try to bypass the LCMS corporation and instead directly litigate against the ecclesiastical Synod itself as an “unincorporated association” that had congregations in Texas. CTX argued that including the Texas congregations meant that federal courts no longer had jurisdiction, requiring the case to go to state courts instead. The LCMS explained that CTX’s argument was directly contrary to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod and over 130 years of church governance. But CTX argued that the LCMS was wrong and that the federal court should adopt CTX’s views of how the Synod is run.
On Feb. 3, 2025, a federal judge ruled in favor of CTX, agreeing that the court does not have jurisdiction. The LCMS responded by appealing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Christian Preus, chairman of the LCMS Board of Directors, said, “The current jurisdictional issue being presented to the Fifth Circuit is particularly important because it is influenced by the First Amendment rights of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as a church body. This includes specifically whether a secular court can create a new legal entity to carry out the governance of our church body, in direct conflict with how we, for almost 130 years, have operated and established in our governing documents.”
Who runs the church?
In its February 2025 ruling, the federal court claimed a definition of “Synod,” for legal purposes, that is at odds with the definition held by the LCMS itself. The court’s decision was based on its own interpretation of the Synod’s internal governing documents. The appeal of the February decision will determine if the church — not civil courts — has the final say in how the church structures its ministry.
In an affidavit filed in the case, LCMS Secretary Rev. Dr. John Sias responded to CTX’s claim that there are two versions of “Synod” that have standing in the legal proceeding. Sias’ affidavit states that CTX created a “fictitious” version of the LCMS that “appears to be CTX’s attempt at recasting and transforming the ecclesiastical denomination named The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod … into a separate civil law entity, alongside the actual civil law entity the Synod has definitively established for itself in LCMS, Inc.”
Sias noted that the LCMS “does not exist as a separate civil entity from LCMS, Inc.” While the Synod as a church body consists of rostered workers and congregations that carry out their work in many states, they are represented by “a single civil law entity called The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, … which was incorporated in the State of Missouri more than 125 years ago as a civil law reflection of its ecclesiastical denomination. … Contrary to CTX’s allegations, the Synod is not and has not been, at any relevant time, an unincorporated association of Lutheran congregations under civil law.”
Sias’ affidavit continues in some detail, citing the history of the LCMS and drawing on the Synod’s Constitution and Bylaws to outline that there are not two “Synods” but one, and that it is legally represented by its corporation based in Missouri.
In the weeks since the LCMS filed its appeal, numerous organizations have filed statements, called friend-of-the-court briefs, in support of the LCMS. As of this writing, seven church-affiliated organizations filed friend-of-the-court briefs in support of the LCMS, including the National Association of Evangelicals, the Anglican Church in North America and the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. The friend-of-the-court briefs point out that this kind of judicial disregard of settled church law and internal governance can negatively impact religious organizations across the country. The State of Missouri has also filed a friend-of-the-court brief, citing concerns about religious freedom and the right of a church to run itself according to the law of the state in which it is incorporated, without outside interference by other states.
As the legal process continues to play out, the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, LCMS president, said that the process, while unfortunate, is necessary for the church:
“Although it is a shame the church has to go to the law to defend the congregations’ governance of their university, the Board of Directors must, for the common good, responsibly defend the Synod’s ability to govern itself and its institutions as the congregations have determined. It does so while continuing to pray for restoration and reconciliation.”
Becket, a non-profit, public-interest legal and educational institute “with a mission to protect the free expression of all faiths,” has taken up the LCMS’ case. Find out more at becketfund.org/case/lcms-v-concordia.
Posted May 27, 2025
Original article can be found at:
lcms.org/thereporter

The 2025 Issues, Etc. “Making the Case” Conference
Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Concordia University Chicago
Featuring:
Scott Jennings of CNN Making the Case for an Alternative Voice in the Mainstream Media
Dr. Carl Trueman of Grove City College Making the Case against Expressive Individualism
Dr. Thomas Egger President of Concordia Seminary-St. Louis Making the Case for the Historicity of the Genesis Creation Account
Dr. Jon Bruss President of Concordia Theological Seminary- Fort Wayne Making the Case for the Lutheran Confessions
The conference begins with a live broadcast of Issues, Etc. at 3:00 pm on Friday, and ends at 4:00 pm on Saturday, with the Divine Service at 6:00 pm.
There will be a singles social Friday evening after Vespers.
To Register: Visit: issuesetc.org or call 618-223-8385

June 2025— Page #

Communal Prayers
Prayer for the Day of Pentecost:
Lord God, Holy Spirit, who on the sacred day of Pentecost filled the hearts of the apostles with new gifts: enlighten our hearts also and grant that we may keep the feast devoutly. Come, precious Guest of our hearts; come, only Treasure of our souls. Dwell in us as in Your temple; purify our hearts from sin. Make us all the anointed of the Lord, and help us by Your power to resist all our spiritual enemies and to obtain the victory. In our prayers and thanksgivings, intercede for us with groanings too deep for words. Comfort all troubled hearts, that the bones that You have broken may rejoice. Support us by Your power against the accusations of our heart and conscience, that there may be no condemnation for us. May Your peace, which surpasses all human understanding, guard our hearts and our minds unto joy everlasting. Give and grant us, O God, Holy Spirit, sincere joy in this holy feast, and when life is done, let us proclaim Your wonderous works; who with the Father and the Son are most blessed forever. Amen.
Commemoration of St. Barnabas (Apostle, June 11)
Almighty God, Your faithful servant Barnabas sought not his own renown but gave generously of his life and substance for the encouragement of the apostles and their ministry. Grant that we may follow his example in lives given to charity and the proclamation of the Gospel; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer for the Feast of the Holy Trinity:
O almighty, everlasting God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who showed Your grace to us men and made Your mercy bountifully evident, first, O eternal Father, in making us as men; and eternal Son of God, in being made man for us and making atonement for our sins on the cross; and eternal Spirit, who proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son, in giving us faith and sanctifying us by the Holy Gospel: we implore You, the only, eternal, and almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to sustain us in Your grace until the end and to give us eternal salvation. Amen.
Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24)
Almighty God, through John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, You once proclaimed salvation. Now grant that we may know this salvation and serve You in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Commemoration of St. Peter and St. Paul (Apostles, June 29)
Merciful and eternal God, Your holy apostles Peter and Paul received grace and strength to lay down their lives for the sake of Your Son. Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that we may confess Your truth and at all times be ready to lay down our lives for Him who laid down His life for us, even Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Family and friends requesting our prayers: Betty Schneeweis, Ken Keenlance, Dennis Gabor, Randy Frank, Carolyn McAfee, Nancy Rosenthal, Elaine Kuenzel, Allen & Margie Latall, Cindy Ovokaitys, Wade Muth, Jessie and Gracie Sutton, Elsie Meyle, Joan Prine, Judy Clark, Karen Haufmann, Louise Kreis, Betty Voelzke, Eric Johanen, Rev. Clark Davis, Ethan Tinlin, Mary Margaret Hatfield, Patricia Wirtz, Carl Pritzlaff, Donna Sommer, Diane Behrens, Ray & Frances Neerhoff, Travis Winkler, Brian Vonlender, Scot Meisenheimer, Thomas Kramlik, and Jody Meisenheimer

Voice of Faith

June 2025— Page #

Birthdays
2- Adiran Castro
4- Patricia Engmann
Kai Goldenstein
Thomas Schellinger
Steve Spalda Jr.
5- Amanda Voelzke
6- Amber Schellinger
7- Cody Wiedmeyer
10- Ron Kabitzke
11- Karen Haufmann
Janet Meisenheimer
12- Makayla Kabitzke
Adam Mayer
13- Janice Voelzke
14- Rebecca Loomans
15- Nancy Audley
17- Kathy Kabitzke
18- Paul Grosskreuz
20- Chris Fisher
21- Nova Rosenthal
23–Violet Hand
Jameson Schellinger
26- Kathy Greve
27- Russell Guillaume
29- Kari Lee Kotila
Jane Rockrohr
30– Sarah Lotz
Anniversaries
1- Tom & Norma Benz
Russell & Jeanette Guillaume
2- Derek & Grace Dich
10- Daniel & Jennifer Schmidt
11- Tom & Diane Zell
16- James & Norma Krubsack
19- Dave & Tammy Fellenz
Randall & Edith Frank
23- James & Yvonne Rosenthal
24- Konrad & Katie Plomedahl
26- Dave & Katie Jakubowski
28– Rob & Jodi Selzler
Bob & Diane Swanson
30– Keith & Linda Schuette

Senior Discounts are available at:
Tuesdays at 10% discount at Good Will
Wednesdays 15% discount at Kohls
Thursdays 20% discount at the Restore
Corner of Jefferson & Barton
West Bend Movie Theater.
Tuesday - $5 Admission Ticket and $8 Whole Pizza!
$5 Admission for everyone!
$8 Pizza (Cheese, Sausage, or Pepperoni)
Friday- Seniors (62 & Up $5 tickets: before 5:00 show time)
Tuesdays: At Sausage Plus up to 3lbs of Ground Chuck for $3.99 a pound.

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.

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

1 / 8a Divine Service / 9:30a Bible Class: Augsburg Conf. / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30p Bible Class: Romans	2 / 9a. Matins / 9:30a. Chapel @ Meadowbrook / 6:30p. Elders Meeting	3 / 2p. Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	4 / 9a. Matins / 9a. Quilters / 4p. Memorial Service for James Hanson	5 / 7p Divine Service	6 / Office Closed / 9a. Matins	7 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
8 / 8a Divine Service / 9:30a Bible Class: Augsburg Conf. / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30p Bible Class: Romans	9 / 9a. Matins / 5:30p Board of Trustees Meeting / 7p. Church Council	10	11 / 9a. Matins / 9a. Quilters / 5:30p Evening Prayer / 6p. Bible Class: / Lutheranism 103	12 / 7p Divine Service	13 / Office Closed / 9a. Matins / 6:30p Lakeshore Chinooks Game	14
15 / 8a Divine Service / 9:30a Bible Class: Augsburg Conf. / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30p Bible Class: Romans	16 / 9a. Matins / HERALD DEADLINE	17 / 12p Ladies Guild/LWML / 2p. Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	18 / 9a. Matins / 9 a. Quilters / 5:30p. Evening Prayer / 6p. Bible Class: / Lutheranism 103	19 / 7p Divine Service	20 / Office Closed / 9a. Matins	21 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
22 / 8a Divine Service / 9:30a Bible Class: Augsburg Conf. / 10:30a Divine Service / 12p. Voter’s Meeting	23 / 9a. Matins	24 / 2p. Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	25 / 9a. Matins / 9a. Quilters / 5:30p. Evening Prayer / 6p. Bible Class: / Lutheranism 103	26 / 7p Divine Service	27 / Office Closed / 9a. Matins	28
29 / 8a Divine Service / 9:30a. Bible Class: Augsburg Conf. / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30p Bible Class: Romans	30 / 9a. Matins	June 2025

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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

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Christ himself teaches these two articles in such an order (Luke 24[:47]). One must preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins in his name. “And the Spirit (he says in John [16:8]) will convince the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment.” You do not find either of these two articles in this one or any other of the false prophets.

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Inside this Issue:
Pilgrim News & Reports
3-8
Giving Matters
8
Briefs Filed in Support of Synod
9
Communal Prayers
12
Birthdays & Anniversaries
13
Calendar
14

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