Author: Julie Raffa

March 2023

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

1 Chronicles 21: 26-27 26 And David built there an altar to the Lord and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings and called on the Lord, and the Lord answered him with fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering. 27 Then the Lord commanded the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath.

We at Pilgrim are truly blessed by God with so many opportunities to grow in our confession of faith and our fellowship together. I hope that all of you are blessed with the strength and health to continue faithfully coming to the services of God’s House. If for some reason, you are not able to come let us know, so that Pastor Raffa and I may visit you and bring you the good news of your salvation, the Lord’s Supper, and know to keep your concerns in our prayers. Please don’t forget that throughout Lent our Mid-week services will continue to offer services on Thursdays at 1pm and 7pm except for Ash Wednesday. I pray that you will be able to set aside extra time from your busy schedules to join us for our Lenten Suppers. Remember these meals are free will offerings that support various projects, so there is no set price, and they begin at 5:30pm.
This year our theme for our Lenten worship will focus upon various texts from the books of 1st and 2nd Chronicles. While it is safe to say most Christians are aware that Jesus is the King of kings, but there is much to be explored in this aspect of Christology. The Books of Chronicles are focused on the kingdom of Judah, which is to say the House of David. Interpreters often miss that the goal of Chronicles is to illustrate, through the kings of Judah, the rule of the coming King—the Christ, who will sit on the throne of his father David forever. The goal of our Lenten
sermon series is to bring the kingdom of Christ into clearer focus through the lens of the good kings (mostly) of Judah as they are portrayed in the Chronicles. From this point of view, the focus is not on how we should learn righteousness from the kings of Judah, but on how each king is a foreshadow of the one true King, Jesus Christ. He is the fulfillment of the promise, which each king was unable to realize. Our series is themed:
To add our series and your own study and devotional reading of
these texts I would like to provide some background info to the books of Chronicles. Chronicles were written around 430 BC, the human author is unknown but most likely a Levite.
Luther on 1 and 2 Chronicles
Luther specifically commented on the value of Chronicles for teaching the faith.
When I speak of the title [of Isaiah; 1:1], I do not mean only that you should read or understand the words “Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, kings of Judah,” etc., but that you should take in hand the last book of Kings and the last book of Chronicles and grasp them well, especially the events, the speeches, and the incidents that occurred under the kings named in the title [of Isaiah], clear to the end of those books. For if one would understand the prophecies, it is necessary that one know how things were in the land, how matters lay, what was in the mind of the people—what plans they had with respect to their neighbors, friends, and enemies—and especially what attitude they took in their country toward God and toward the prophet, whether they held to his word and worship or to idolatry. (AE 35:274)
An Introduction to the Books
“Samuel and Kings gave a historical perspective of Israel’s history that was concerned with explaining why God’s chosen people did not seem so chosen. Why was the kingdom divided? Why were the ten northern tribes overcome by the Assyrians and, therefore, lost? Why was Judah overcome by the Babylonians? What went wrong? The books of Chronicles have a different purpose and so a different perspective on Israel’s history. Chronicles is explaining the history of Israel to people who are returning from exile. These people are wondering why some kings who were wicked had long reigns and others who were good had short reigns. These people were just as tempted as their ancestors to forget God and follow their own desires and the ways of the nations around them. Chronicles focuses on genealogy and worship to respond to these needs. Chronicles takes a comprehensive look at Israel’s history, starting with Adam and ending with Israel’s return from the Babylonian captivity. In spite of all the tragedies of that history, God continued to work out the fulfillment of His promise that a Savior would come through specific families: Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, David, and so forth. Chronicles also reminds the reader that the Temple and worship were the means by which Israel would stay close to the promises and blessings of the living God.”
Why and when was the Chronicles divided into two books?
“The book of Chronicles, like Kings and Samuel, was divided into two when it was translated in Greek between 400 and 250 BC. These translators called these books the “Things Omitted (or Passed Over).” Jerome suggested on the basis of the Hebrew title “Words of the Days” that the books should be called a “Chronicle” of the divine history. This made sense because the content of these books begins with creation and concludes with the present day circumstances of Israel at the time it was written/compiled. In Hebrew Bibles Chronicles comes very last, as it is a sort of review of the entire Old Testament. English Bibles place Chronicles after Samuel and Kings because it covers most of the same material in much the same way.”
Blessings for Readers
As you read Chronicles, consider the focus the author places on the ministry of the Word, atonement through God’s house, and God’s care for His people through Israel’s greatest leaders: David and Solomon. Especially note that the musicians at the tabernacle and temple, who handled God’s Word in song, were regarded as prophets.
Throughout, the Chronicler shows regard for God’s blessings through the Word, which calls God’s people to faith and keeps them in the faith. The greatest Word of all in Chronicles is the sustained promise of an everlasting kingdom from David’s household, fulfilled in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of all.
God Bless,
Rev. Joseph Fisher
Hebrews 12:1-2

Chronicles of the King
1. Ash Wednesday: Count on It: David, 1 Chronicles 21:1–2, 7–19, 26–27
2. Lenten Midweek 2: Blood Money: Asa, 2 Chronicles 14:1–7; 16:1–13
3. Lenten Midweek 3: Strange Bedfellows: Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 17:1–6; 18:1–3; 19:1–7
4. Lenten Midweek 4: Cleaning House: Joash, 2 Chronicles 24:1–4, 17–25
5. Lenten Midweek 5: Know Thyself: Uzziah, 2 Chronicles 26:1–5, 15b–21
6. Lenten Midweek 6: Our Last Hope: Josiah, 2 Chronicles 34:1–3; 35:20–27

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Pilgrim News
Lenten Services are being held at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. with a Lenten Dinner being served at 5:30 p.m.
We Welcome Craig & Sue Martinez to the Pilgrim Family. They join us by Affirmation of Faith.
Aluminum tabs are being collected to help support Children’s Hospital. Please save your aluminum tabs and place them in the containers you can find in the Narthex and the Fellowship hall.
THE SIGNS that are displayed in the hallway by the Fellowship Hall, are available by Free Will offering.
The donations will be going to a different group each month.
They are made by Dave Fellenz.
Large Print Hymnals are now available for order. There is a sample on the counter in the Narthex. Sign up sheet to order is on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Cost is $49.99
South Wisconsin District Financial Aid applications are due May 15. Anyone attending a Concordia University or Seminary, is a member of an LCMS congregation in the SWD and is preparing to be a full-time church worker (pastor, teacher, deaconess, DCE/DCO, DFLM, DPM, lay minister) is encouraged to apply. There are two applications required (District Financial Aid Application and Personal Aid Application). Both are available on the SWD website – swd.lcms.org/resources/student-aid-applications/.
LWML Female Church Worker Scholarship
The LWML South Wisconsin District has been blessed to be able to award scholarships each year since 1991 to women from South Wisconsin District who are preparing for church work in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. An endowment was established to assist women with their undergraduate education. The number and amount of scholarships varies from year to year depending on the funds available that year. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2023-2024 school year.
Who may apply? Active female members of congregations of the South Wisconsin District of the LCMS who are residents of the SWD prior to college and are preparing for “full-time service in the LCMS” are encouraged to apply. An applicant must be enrolled as an undergraduate at one of the educational institutions of the Synod for the 2023-2024 school year. (Full-time service is defined as any position available through the Board of Assignments of the Synod)
How to apply? Complete the LWML scholarship application forms and return them to the LWML SWD Scholarship Committee. All applications and references must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2023. Application instructions and forms are available online at http://www.lwml-swd.org/scholarships, scroll to the bottom.
Lenten/ Easter Service Schedule
Midweek Lenten Services :
Thursdays on March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30. Services at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Lenten dinners are served at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday services are at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
with Sunday school and Bible Class at 9:15 a.m.
Holy Week Services:
Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023
Divine Services at 8;00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Maundy Thursday, April 6, 2023
Divine Services at 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday, April 7, 2023
Services at 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Easter Vigil, April 8, 2023
Divine Service at 6:30 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023
Sunrise service 6:00 a.m.
Easter Breakfast served by the Altar Guild and Men’s Bible Study 7:00 a.m.
Easter Divine Service 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

March 2023 — Page #

Board of elders report
Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church
Board of Elders Meeting Minutes
Feb 6, 2023
Attendees: Pastor Fisher, Pastor Raffa, Gary, Ron, Patrick, Dan, Tanner, Tim, Kent
Absent: Jeff, Dave
The meeting began at 6:30 PM with evening devotion and song (“The Infant Priest Was Born”) led by Pastor Fisher.
Pastor Fisher took pictures of the elders individually. The pictures will be displayed with the Elder’s name to help members identify their elder.
We completed the Elder schedule for March.
The next elders meeting is Monday, March 6 @ 6:30PM.
We reviewed the first three chapters (the first Three Commandments) of the book we are reading, “Why I Am Joy:Fully Lutheran.
We will review chapters 4 and 5 (the 4th and 5th Commandments) of “Why I Am Joy:Fully Lutheran” at the March 6 elder meeting.
Pastor Fisher reminded elders to check the safe when they are on duty to confirm it is locked.
We updated the Elder schedule for March.
Pastor Fisher told us about a new program being offered by the Lilly Foundation which chooses one pastor a year for a funded sabbatical. Pastors are invited to apply. Pastor Fisher would like to apply and asked if the elders would approve (which we did). Next he will take this to the Council.
Pastor Fisher told us that Synod has Lenten Media Kits (signs) which we can use to print on signs as yard signs. Samples of the designs are on the Synod website: lcms.org, search for “Media Kits” (resources.lcms.org/media- kits/). Dan said his company can probably print these for very low cost; he will investigate.
Pilgrim will have a Processional from outside the building at the Easter Vigil Service on Holy Saturday Evening. Individual Absolution will take place at that service as well.
Pastor Fisher reported that Mark and Mary Schauland contacted the church office and requested to be removed from the church roster. They did not want to talk to a pastor.
Pastor Fisher showed us a sample of the new large print hymnal. The cost of one is $49.95. The church will purchase one of them so we have a sample and let people know where it is so they can take a look.
Pastor Fisher said that some care centers where we have members have changed their schedule for services so he and Pastor Raffa have had to make some adjustments.
Elder Roundtable:
Pastor Raffa reported that he had given an update at the voters meeting on the Port Washington school.
Tanner reported that he had given an Elder’s report at the voter’s meeting and also gave an update on individual Absolution at the Easter Server.
Dan reported that his company could probably print the yard signs for very little cost. He also discussed the sign in front of the church and what could be done there.
Pastor Fisher discussed the Elders hosting a Lenten dinner. We decided that Elders would host the dinner March 16 and would be serving burgers, brats, and hotdogs.
Patrick discussed the Easter Vigil for next year.
The meeting ended with prayer at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Gary Jenovai
Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church
Church council Report
The Pilgrim Church Council February 13 th , 2023, meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President, Bob Knuth.
Also in attendance were Pastor Fisher, Pastor Raffa, Phillip Gohr, Jacob Hand, Ruth Kohler, Tanner Schmidt, Nancy Rosenthal, Karen Spiering, and Ron Virchow Jr.
Pastor Fisher began the meeting by leading a responsive prayer from the hymnal (page 282) and the singing of a
hymn.
Motion to accept the minutes of the January 9, 2023, meeting as published in the Herald was made by Tanner
Schmidt, second by Karen Spiering, carried.
Elders Report – Tanner Schmidt
* Elder’s have started a new book study; “Why I Am Joyfully Lutheran”.
*Pastor Fisher presented Elders with information on grants available from the Lilly Foundation providing
sabbaticals for pastors of any faith to guard against pastoral burn-out. Grant application information,
funding to the congregation involved, types of sabbaticals were discussed. So far the Elders were in favor
of further investigation on the matter. Nothing would be available for 2023.
* Pilgrim promotional yard sign proposal was discussed.

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Trustees Report – Ron Virchow Jr.
* Still working on the West Bend Fire Department inspector report which noted that “egress” lighting was
defective.
* Investigating different supplier for cleaning supplies.
*Pastor Raffa’s request to relocate the church’s library is under consideration.
* Working on a universal facility repair request form.
Treasurers Report – Jacob Hand
* The Treasurer requested a minimum of 2 volunteers for the Audit Committee. Nancy Rosenthal and Ruth
Kohler volunteered.
* PayCor is up and running.
* W2’s are out.
* Peace Lutheran education reimbursement of $6,000.00+ has been received.
* January’s receipts were reported and be published in the Herald.
Pastor Fisher’s Report
*Chapel Service dates have been changed from the last Monday to the first Monday of the month, starting
in March.
* Mark and Mary Schauland have asked for a release.
* Meeting with local pastors on February 28 th .
* Easter Vigil logistics was discussed.
* Considering having individual Absolution during Easter Vigil.
Pastor Raffa’s Report
* Tom Cullen and Laura Kreuser wedding plans were discussed.
*James Schwantes and Sarah Schober wedding plans were discussed.
* On February 17 th thru 19 th Pastor Raffa will be attending the Christ Academy Confirmation Retreat
studying “The Six Chief Parts” at Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN
* Pastor Raffa will be attending the “Genesis Study”, which is the feasibility study for the possibility of
starting a Classical Education School, at 6:30 pm February 23rd.
* The CUW Brass Ensemble will be playing Post Prelude music, etc on Sunday, February 26 th at both
services.
Board of Education – Pastor Raffa
• No report
Nancy Rosenthal
• No report
Ruth Kohler
• No report
Old Business
* Council members will be providing the Lenten Meal on March 23 rd . Tacos will be served. Pastor Fisher to
pick up the supplies.
* Pastor Raffa gave brief update on Classical Education School feasibility.
* Discussion on Endowment Fund determined it was complete except for determination of where to invest
the monies. Endowment Fund Committee will be meeting soon.
* Pilgrim promotional yard sign proposal was discussed.
* Security system: Nothing to report at this time.
* TDS Telecom easement proposal: Ron Virchow reported he had just been informed that he will be
contacted.
* Furnace replacement possibility: No report.
* West Bend Fire Department Proposal: Ron Virchow said as of this evening he was tasked with informing
the Fire Department that Pilgrim Lutheran Church is not interested in selling any land.
New Business
* Repairs are underway in Pastor Raffa’s kitchen.
* Pastor Fisher questioned if the Easter Egg Hunt could be canceled due a desire to rather than just giving
out candy have more activities, and the insufficient time and volunteers to do so this year. It was decided
to cancel this year’s event.
* Next Council Meeting scheduled for March 13 th at 7 pm.
Motion by Tanner Schmidt with Second by Nancy Rosenthal to adjourn. Carried
Pastor Raffa offered up a prayer for the meeting’s close.
Respectfully submitted,
Phill Gohr

Month 2023 — Page #

month volunteer schedule
Thursday, March 2: 1:00 / 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: /
Elder: Patrick S. / Tanner S.
Usher Team: / A
Sunday, March 5: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Kathy P.
Altar Guild: Laurie L. / Nancy R.
Elder: Ron K. / Dan S.
Usher Team: 3 / 4
Acolyte: Matthias R. / Rachel R.
Thursday, March 9: 1:00 p.m. / 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: /
Elder: Gary J. / Kent V.
Usher Team: / B
Acolyte: Jamison S.
Sunday, March 12: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Carolyn M.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Carolyn M.
Elder: Ron K. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 1 / 2
Acolyte: Wade J. / Josiah R.
Thursday, March 16: 1:00 p.m. / 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: /
Elder: Dave F. / Patrick S.
Usher Team: / A
Sunday, March 19: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Caryn L.
Altar Guild: Norma B. / Carolyn M.
Elder: Dave F. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 3 / 4
Acolyte: Clayton K. / Rachel R.
Thursday, March 23: 1:00 / 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: /
Elder: Gary J. / Kent V.
Usher Team: / B
Acolyte: Jamison S.
Sunday, March 26: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Julie R.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Rita F.
Elder: Tim K. / Dan S.
Usher Team: 1 / 2
Acolyte: Matthias R. / Josiah R.
Thursday, March 30: 1:00 / 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: /
Elder: Patrick S. / Tanner S.
Usher Team: / A

Membership report
Baptized: None
Transferred In:
M/M Craig & Sue Martinez by
Affirmation of Faith
Transferred Out: None
Released from Membership: None

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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.

Voters Meeting Minutes
February 5, 2023
Roll call via sign in sheet. Number in attendance 3
New Voters sign the Church Constitution: Sarah Schober
Minutes of October 30, 2022 Voters meeting. Motion to accept as presented made, seconded and was passed.
Elders Report: Tanner Schmidt. Formal report is on file. New Elders were recognized. Dennis Engmann has stepped down as Elder and was recognized for his service.
*Elders working on developing new attendance
cards for the pews. New design has been com- pleted and printed. New style cards will be phased in as the existing cards are used.
*Elders are contemplating idea of meals before Advent and Lent midweek services next year as a way to encourage attendance at those services.
*Children’s program in December was held and was very well received. Thanks to Tanner,
Ginny Schober and Pastor Raffa for their work on this.
* Elders are contemplating soe changes to the Easter Vigil Service. Several possibilities were mentioned for example’s sake.
*There is a possibility of the church acquiring some yard signs for Holy Week that could be distributed. More on this later in this report.
* Elders still considering the idea of using an offering box to replace the current offering plate. Tanner brought up some options the elders want to consider. He did emphasize that the conger- gation was free to do as we pleased unless to contradicted our churches teachings.
(Continued on page 9)#)

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General discussion ensued. Motion to accept the Elders Report as presented, made second ed and passed.
Trustees Report: Rob Selzler– Extensive report on 2022 Trustee’s activity, a copy which is on file. Motion to
accept Trustees Report as presented made, seconded and passed.
Treasurers Report: Jake Hand. See Year to date 12/31/2022 report on file.
*Question was raised about adding an option to the PayPal Account to allow for weekly donations as op- posed to just monthly. Jake will investigate and report back.
* Thrivent Choice Dollars-Check with Thrivent to make sure your Thrivent Choice Dollars are still going to Pilgrim.
*Amazon Smile will no longer be supporting Pilgrim. February 20, 2023, is the last day we can buy and get Amazon Smile to support Pilgrim.
*Paycor payroll processing is set up and running.
*Motion to accept Treasurer’s Report subject to audit made, seconded and passed.
Pastors Reports:
Pastor Fisher stated that Issues Etc. has contacted him about recording a 30 second ad on our Christ in the Old Testament Conference which will be held in conjunction with Concordia Bible Institute on
February 18. Dr. Brian German and Dr. Harald Tomesch will be delivering a series of presentations
Registration starts at 8:30. The event is free and open to the public. Lunch is included. Sarah Spalda has the sign in sheet, please register with her.
*Chapel services that were being held on the last Monday of the month now have been rescheduled for the first Monday of the month for Lent.
*Chapel services have resumed at Meadowbrook Manor.
*New Church Directory is still on progress. Pastor Fisher is in contact with the vendor. The vendor representative that had been dealing with Pilgrim died suddenly last November and the company
still has not sent Pilgrim a proof for review.
Pastor Raffa will be taking Matthias Raffa and Nathaniel Anderson to a Confirmation Retreat at Ft. Wayne on February 17. the Conference focuses on one of the Chief Parts every year. This years theme is
Confession and Absolution.
*On February 26, 2023, Concordia University Wisconsin’ Brass Ensemble will be performing at Pilgrim as part of our morning services.
*Two weddings are scheduled for this summer. Pastor Raffa is conducting premarital counseling with both couples.
Board of Education-Pastor Raffa. There is no longer a formal Board of Education at Pilgrim, despite the church Constitution calling for it. Sunday school attendance is around 10 children. Thanks were extended to Sunday school teachers Paul Grosskreuz and Ginny Schober for their work.
Endowment Fund– Ron Kabitzke presented a report on the endowment. He referred people to the Endowment committee’s minutes as published in the Pilgrim Herald. A partial account statement was made availa ble and was made available and is on file.
This year there will be 5% of the Endowment Fund, approximately $6780, available for awards-Plus the remaining undisbursed amount from last year. No questions.
Concordia Report– Ron Kabitzke-Enrollment is down. The satellite campuses are closed or being phased out.
*New majors in Chemical Engineering and Industrial Engineering are being developed.
*Men and women are being sought to join the Choir at CUW on Mondays at 6:00 p.m.
Unfinished Business
* Pastor Raffa updated the congregation on the proposed new school. Genesis has been reformed now in that they Synod pays the research cost instead of the individual churches. This is good news in our en- deavor to create a new school along with St. John in Fredonia and St. Johns in Port Washington.
Steering committee of about 20 people has been established and is meeting with Genesis
representatives. Much work is to be done yet and it is estimated that the Genesis research will take roughly 8 months to complete. After completion Genesis will deliver the final version of the
feasibility study with a recommendation to proceed or not proceed. Steering Committee minutes will be published. No questions.
New Business
* Bob Knuth and Rob Selzler presented to the meeting the request by TDS to run some internet cables across
some church property and construct an access box. TDS has offered a onetime payment of $5000 for an ease-
ment. There are already a couple of boxes from ATT.
Motion made for the Trustees to present counter offer of $8000 and to allow the trustees to negotiate a final deal within the $5000 to $8000 range. Motion seconded and passed.
*Offering box instead of an offering plate was discussed. Motion to table issue to allow Elders to consider issue more fully was made, seconded and passed.
* Dorothy Miller Estate. The Church received in excess of $300,000 from the Dorothy Miller Estate.
On behalf of the Church Council, David Boehlke presented recommendations for creation of four
dedicated accounts within the existing endowment fund. Each account is to be initially funded from the Miller
proceeds. The proposed names of the dedicated accounts and recommended initial funding amounts are shown below. For a more detailed description, see “Motions to Create and Fund Four accounts within the Endowment Fund” document distributed at the meeting-a copy which is on file.
**Capitol Improvement Account $225,000
** Mission Outreach Account $25,000
**Human Care & Benevolence Fund $25,000
**Education Account $25,000
Motion to accept all four recommended accounts and to fund them at the recommended levels shown above, . made, seconded and was passed.
*Fire Department proposal to buy the field behind the church. The West Bend Fire Department has approached the church about buying our field. General Discussion was held. The possibility of an eminent domain forced sale was discussed. Motion to reject the proposed sale made seconded and passed.
*Ron Kabitzke addressed the congregation on the desirability of redesigning our offering envelopes to allow marking a designated offering. General discussion ensued. Motion made to leave envelopes “as is” made,
seconded and passed.
*Pastor Fisher displayed a possible design for Holy Week Yard sings that would be distributed. General
discussion ensued. Motion made to refer matter to Elders for design and consideration. Motion seconded and
passed.
Meeting adjourned. 1:57. p.m.
Submitted by Jeffrey G. Steely, Voters Meeting Secretary

March 2023 — Page #

Communal Prayers
The season of Lent is a time of prayerful and penitential reflection; these prayers help with self-examination through God’s Commandments.
First Commandment: O holy and righteous God, who see and hear all things: I come before You now to examine carefully the condition of my soul and to learn how I am, and whether I am on the way of destruction. Search me O God! Try me and know my thoughts, and make me aware of them by Your Word and Spirit. - Have I remembered You often, great Maker and Sustainer, Redeemer and Sanctifier? - Have I used Your will and Your Commandments as my guidepost in what I do and do not, and have I always asked myself, “Is this in line with God’s commandment?” - Have I not honored many idols and thought of myself highly, followed only my own will, and sought only my own glory and satisfaction? Have I not feared other men more than God, revered their presence more than God’s presence, and made a greater effort to gain their favor than God’s grace, and done more in love toward them than I would do love in to God?
(Continued on page 11)

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(Continued from 10)
- Has my fear of God borne true fruit, such as obedience, hatred of evil remorse for sin, humility, patience, vigilance, and the like? - Have I sought to know God as the highest good and to love and trust Him above all things? - Has this trust worked true fruit in me, such as hope, serenity, courage, and constancy? - Likewise, what form has my knowledge of God taken? Is it a living or dead knowledge? And do I seek to increase in that knowledge? Do I earnestly guard myself against all errors? - Are all, or even most of, my desires centered on God and His grace?
Second Commandment: How have I treated God’s name, or everything in which God is revealed in His glory? - Have I not frequently spoken the names of God and Jesus irreverently? - How often have I prayed without true devotion and conception of God’s majesty? - What form has my reading and meditation of God’s Word taken? - Have I not sometimes quoted verses of Holy Scripture in an unfitting manner to bring attention to myself or to make a joke? - Have I, in the contemplation and use of created things, reverently regarded the Creator’s wisdom, goodness, and almighty power? - Have I misused my mouth for cursing, swearing, and slander after the manner of brazen sinners? - Have I been a liar and deceiver in spiritual things and knowingly twisted God’s Word, or even deceived others through hypocrisy—What form have my praise and thanks taken?
Third Commandment: Have I regarded the Sabbath with due reverence and tried to sanctify it is a way pleasing to God? - Have I on Sundays allowed my mind to rest from temporal concerns and my body from the regular work of my vocation, that God might do His work in me and I might rest in God? Have I, to that end, prepared myself in the morning with sincere prayer? - Have I behaved as a child of God in thoughts, words, and actions, and heard the Word devoutly as the Word of God and prayed and sung with sincerity? Have I acted like a child of the world at church and used my clothing to show off, chatted about worldly things, looked down on other people, judged the preacher only by human favor?- Have I passed the rest of my Sunday with holy activities such as reading, praying, examining myself, contemplating God’s works and benefits, renewing my good resolution, an so on? - Or have I joined the world in seeking all manner of carnal amusements and passed the time with sinful jokes, foolishness, and looked to my own contentment on the Lord’s day in indolence, excessive eating and drinking, or frivolous parties? - Have I been serious about serving God and being properly edified and amended?
Dear God, I confess to You that 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 merciful. Therefore I take these together in one word and confession: I am a sinner, yet You are merciful to me; I am Your enemy, but Your are my friend only; I ought to be condemned, but I know that Your do not wish to condemn me, but to save me as an heir in 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: Rev. Clark Davis, Jeff Kreuser, Daniel Grosskreuz, Michael Ferguson, Dorothy Kroll, Mary Margaret Hatfield, Rev. John Wille, Phyllis Laabs-Darkow, George Muth, Rev Donald & Carolyn Bren, Joyce Virchow, Richard Lewandowski, Ethan Tinlin, Mark Selzler, Patricia Wirtz, Sheryl Pajewski, Carl & Lois Pritzlaff, Paul Lierman, Sherry Cullen, Judy Clark, Inez Schwoch, Chloe Fisher, Ruth Mertz, Jerry Sullivan, Donna Sommer, Eric Johanen, Diane Behrens, Suzanne Stadelmayer, Elaine Kuenzel, Ray & Frances Neerhoff, Linda Schmidt, Travis Winkler, Brian Vonlender, Scot Meisenheimer, Thomas Kramlik, and Jody Meisenheimer

Voice of Faith

March 2023 — Page #

Birthdays
2- Jeff Kreuser
Manuel Pintor
Thomas Zell
3- Thomas Cullen
Miranda Hoffman
Joshua Schellinger
Leah Schmidt
5- Joseph Pajewski
Kent Voll
Kyle Voll
6- Norma Krubsack
8- Neal Schleif
10- Howard Glassel
12- Mark Selzler
14- Alexander Held
Scott Leffin
Abby Mulvey
Judi Spiegel
15- Emma Raffa
18- Suzanne Voge
19- Robert Mayer
25– James Rosenthal
26- Lindsey Olig
27- Dennis Gabor
29- Lisa Hills
Stacy Kessler
30- Ginny Schober
31- David Boehlke
Anniversaries
3- Brian & Angie Skrentny
20– Courtney & Conrad Castro

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)
KML
March 14, Sacred Concert 630 pm
LWLHS
March 10-11 7pm, Spring Musical, Disney’s
“Newsies” Tickets sold a the door.
Performed at UW-Washington County Theater
Concordia/Chicago Wind Symphony
Friday March 3. Divine Savior Lutheran Church
3200 S. Hwy K Hartford WI/
7:00 p.m.

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 #

March 2023			1 / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class: / 1 & 2 Kings	2 / 9a Adult Study: 2nd Samuel / 5:30 p.m. Lenten Dinner / 1 & 7p Divine Service	3 / Office Closed	4 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
5 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Bible Studies / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30p Adult Class: 2nd Samuel	6 / 10:30 a Chapel @ Jackson Crossing / 6:30p Board of Elders Meeting	7 / 9:00 a.m. Chapel @ Meadowbrook / 2p. Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	8 / 9a. Pilgrim Quilters / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class: / 1 & 2 Kings	9 / 9a Adult Study: 1st Samuel / 5:30 p.m. Lenten Dinner / 1 & 7p Divine Service	10 / Office Closed	11
12 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Bible Studies / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30p Adult Class: 2nd Samuel	13 / 5:30p Board of Trustees Meeting / 7p Church Council Meeting	14 / 12p LWML / Ladies Guild Meeting / 2p. Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	15 / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class: / 1 & 2 Kings	16 / 9a Adult Study: 1st Samuel / 5:30 p.m. Lenten Dinner / 1 & 7p Divine Service	17 / Office Closed	18 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
19 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Bible Studies / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30p Adult Class: 2nd Samuel	20	21 / 2p. Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	22 / 9a. Pilgrim Quilters / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class: / 1 & 2 Kings	23 / 9a Adult Study: 1st Samuel / 5:30 p.m. Lenten Dinner / 1 & 7p Divine Service	24 / Office Closed	25
26 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Bible Studies / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30p Adult Class: 2nd Samuel	27	28 / 2p. Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	29 / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class: / 1 & 2 Kings	30 / 9a Adult Study: 1st Samuel / 5:30 p.m. Lenten Dinner / 1 & 7p Divine Service	31 / Office Closed

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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

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 628).

Steinmann, A. E., Eschelbach, M., Giese, C., & Puffe, P. (2006). Called to Be God’s People: An Introduction to the Old Testament (A. E. Steinmann, Ed.; Vol. 1, p. 331). Wipf & Stock Publishers.

Steinmann, A. E., Eschelbach, M., Giese, C., & Puffe, P. (2006). Called to Be God’s People: An Introduction to the Old Testament (A. E. Steinmann, Ed.; Vol. 1, p. 333). Wipf & Stock Publishers.

Engelbrecht, E. A. (2009). The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 629).

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The books of Chronicles have a different purpose and so a different perspective on Israel’s history. Chronicles is explaining the history of Israel to people who are returning from exile.

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Inside this Issue:
Pilgrim News & Reports
3-5
Giving Matters
7
Voters Meeting Minutes
7-9
Communal Prayers
10
Birthdays & Anniversaries
11
Calendar
12
Volunteer Schedule
6

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