Author: Julie Raffa

April 2021

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

Pastoral Care and A Divine Call
“He (Simon) said to Him (Jesus), Yes Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, ‘feed my lambs’” John 21:15
Centered Alignment

I bore in my heart a secret. Not something sinister, immoral, or vile, but something of which my lips could not speak: a divine call to be a pastor at another church. It was not something I sought or wanted. It was something that came by way of what we call a “divine call process.” And as I quickly learned, this process was nothing but straight forward or without posturing or sin. As I frustratingly experienced, though I was verbally notified as to this divine call, I did not receive the actual call documents until two weeks after the verbal notice. You cannot properly and evangelically evaluate a divine call without the call papers in hand. Eighteen days after I was first informed of this divine call, I stood up before my bride of 13½ years, Pilgrim Lutheran, to tell her that another Bride sought me as their pastor.
Silence. Shock. It was like a bomb went off. There were long looks with hidden emotions yet to come out. There were immediate words or texts of “please don’t leave us.” There were straight shooting words like, “You’re not going anywhere, and I will sit on you if need be.” There were countless expressions that I would be kept in their prayers and thoughts as I deliberated this divine call. There were words of understanding from parishioners having gone through this process at a previous church and were sympathetic to the magnitude of what I faced as I pondered this life-altering decision. Over the four weeks of thoughtful reflection, seeking counsel not only from my family, but fellow brothers in the office of the holy ministry, and my district president, I remember one morning coming into the study and praying, “Lord, I hate this process. What am I to do? Help me.”
To receive a divine call is not for the weak. Having talked with a few pastors that have been through the process multiple times, they are not shy in admitting to its emotional roller coaster. When I received the divine call to Ebenezer Lutheran, I immediately realized the immensity of what I was being asked to consider.
Here before me at Pilgrim were folks that I had visited in various conditions at the hospital, catechumens that I had confirmed, children I had baptized, husbands and wives that I had married, families I had addressed with the Gospel in the midst of the great enemy death, and those whom I had shared some of the most precious moments of life with and navigated some of the tumultuous ones.
Humanly speaking, the call process alters these precious relationships, likely for the rest of one’s life. There is no going back. So, I prayed for wisdom according to the Holy Spirit as I dug through Scripture. I evaluated and poured over the dynamics of the divine call attempting to ascertain from a distance my role in a new pastorate. I prayed for wisdom to discern how this would affect my children’s education, my wife’s life, housing costs, health insurance, extended family dynamics, and simply the stress of starting over in a new place.
After three weeks of deliberation, I decided. On February 28, I announce my decision to stay. The organist plays an impromptu doxology. An awkward smile forms on my face. Some breath a sigh of relief. Some are still jilted that I put them through this process, yet are very glad that I am staying. Later, I am told, one young boy makes a sweeping hand jester in jubilation in the aisle of the church. The overall sentiment is that people are happy that I am staying. It’s good to feel wanted in a place, that you matter, that the work of your hands, heart, and mind, are largely to the edification of the people you serve
Going through the process of a divine call, alongside of my parishioners I serve, begged many questions. Some were of my own making, others were asked of me. I cannot fully answer them all here. I pray that time will afford us further opportunities to explore these other questions. For now, we should start at the beginning, with the basic question of, “What is the divine call?”
To speak of a divine call is to speak of the office of the holy ministry. This office is divinely instituted by God for the public proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments (Augsburg Confession Article V, 22). This office is created by the Gospel and for its sake. It only has power according to the Word of God (Heb 13:7). The pastor is called to preach the Gospel (Rom 10:17) so that people would receive saving-faith in Christ by the Holy Spirit (Jn 3:8). He preaches the Word of God, trusting that it will work according to God’s will and in God’s time and way. This divine office is distinct from what we call “the priesthood of all believers” (1 Peter 2:9), which had been given the office of the keys to forgive sins, called to spread the Gospel, and called to serve its neighbor. Bear in mind, the pastor who holds the office of the ministry is to called to administer these “keys” and gifts publicly for the good, and by the authorization of the congregation.
The pastor is specifically charged to work with “divine” things. Early Lutheran theologian Johann Gerhard in his work, On the Ecclesiastical Ministry: Part Two, gives a clear description of the seven duties of a man who holds the office of the holy ministry.
1. The first and foremost duty of ministers of the church is the preaching of the world, through which the Holy Spirit is efficacious in providing inner illumination of the heart.
2. To administer the sacraments.
3. To pray diligently for the flock entrusted to them.
4. To lead their hearers with the example of an excellent life—honorable management of their life and behavior.
5. To administer church discipline
6. To preserve ecclesiastical (liturgical) rites.
7. To care for the poor and visit the sick.
We see this office being divinely instituted in Scripture as Paul was on his missionary journeys. In Acts 14:23, when Paul and Barnabas were near the end of their first missionary journey, they appointed elders (pastors) for every gathering of Christians. In Titus 1:5, Paul encourages Titus to appoint elders (pastors) in the towns where he was preaching the Gospel near Crete. Also, in Acts 20:28, Paul meets with the Ephesian elders and reminds them that they were overseers of the church of God and caretakers of their souls. Simply put, in the name of Jesus, where people gathered, God led the churches to appoint elders (pastors) for the sake of the Gospel.
Since the office of the holy ministry is divinely instituted and works with the divine things of God (Gospel and sacraments), the gathering of the priesthood extends a “divine call” to a qualified man (1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). The pastor called by God (Eph 4:8, 11-12), and his calling is considered a “mediate” divine call because pastors are no longer called like Saul on the road to Damascus. God uses the church to ensure the Gospel is preached and the sacraments administered according to Christ’s command. As Lutheran theologian Robert Preus points out, “Timothy was no less called by God than Paul himself, and so it is for every minister today…God gives the same grace, help, power, and divine efficacy to the ministry of the Word today.”
The congregation retains this right to call a pastor in a good and rightly manner as the Augsburg Confession teaches: “Our churches teach that no one should publicly preach in the Church, or administer the Sacraments, without a rightly order call.” Philip Melanchthon writes in The Power and Primacy of the Pope concerning the right of a congregation to extend a divine call, “Wherever the Church is, there is authority to administer the Gospel. Therefore, it is necessary for the Church to retain the authority to call, elect, and ordain ministers. This authority is a gift that is given to the Church.”
Below is my letter of declination to Ebenezer.
February 27th 2021,
Beloved saints of Pilgrim,
As you know from my previous announcement on February 21st, I received a divine call to be an associate pastor of Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Greensboro, N.C. In my study, I penned this letter to you.
These last four weeks have been an intense time of self-reflection, of weighing the complex needs of all involved. For many of you, as for me, this is the first time that collectively as a flock and individually as lambs, our hearts and minds have been sifted and tested by our Lord’s divine call process. It is a good and necessary process for it teaches us the true nature of the office of the holy ministry, and that we seek instruction and consolation in the office that the man bears faithfully, and not in the man himself. Pastors do come and go, but the Word of the Lord endures forever irrespective of the man that stands in the pulpit, at the altar, at the font, and at our deathbed. For me, the most agonizing aspect of this process is that no matter how adeptly I try to balance the needs and desires of all, I will fail someone. There is no right answer. I have sinned in this decision. And yet there is no wrong answer. I am freed from the bondage to divine an elusive perfect answer by the forgiveness of sins.
The brothers in the office that I have sought guidance from, the long talks I have had with my wife and my children, know that I have not treated this divine call lightly. I do desire to preach and teach the whole counsel of God’s Word at Ebenezer. I desire that my wife and I would be closer to our earthly families. I desire that my gifts and abilities that the Lord has given and formed in me by His holy cross would be used for the betterment and edification of the saints at Ebenezer. But I also desire that my children would continue to have a robust and Lutheran education, which is not easily found, and that you have and continue to support generously. I desire to remain in your presence, to continue to rejoice in the joys of life with you and to bear the burdens of life with you, as we have loved one another as shepherd and sheep with the utmost devotion and sacrifice over the last thirteen years.
While my desires are divided over this decision, the call documents have shed much light on what I and my family would encounter and sacrifice to move to Ebenezer. And as I considered that cost, I found an unlikely source of wisdom in the words of a fictional character set within the 18th century. Her name is Demelza Poldark, who when speaking to her husband who wished he could have done more to save one of his servants who died in a debtor’s prison, said “You cannot fight all the world. You can only make your own small corner a fairer place.”
So that is what I will do. I have declined the call to Ebenezer. I will remain with you. I will put my hand to the plow alongside Pastor Fisher and continue to till in your hearts and minds the Word of God in its fullness, to be a faithful shepherd for you and a bleating lamb with you, as we together by God’s will and mercy make this small corner of the world, where the Milwaukee River bends west, a faithful light unto all, and a fairer place.
In the bonds of Christ, Pastor Raffa
————————————————————–—
At this time, I would ask you to join me in a word of prayer for Ebenezer Lutheran Church,
Lord God, we pray for the saints of Ebenezer, that You alone who provides Your congregations with shepherds, help them to find what they need. Send forth to them a curate of souls whom You have provided with heavenly wisdom, with faithful love, who seeks the lost and does not rest until he has found them. Give them a shepherd who is able to discern the truth from the false, who will raise up his voice like a trumpet and without respect of persons will point out to everyone his sins and iniquities, who will bind up their sins with forgiveness of sins and conduct himself as model for them to follow. And when that shepherd which they have prayed for comes, grant that they may obey him and with one heart and one soul walk the narrow way, which leads to eternal life. We pray this on behalf of our fellow saints at Ebenezer Lutheran, and by the eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God and the Shepherd and Bishop of His Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church; who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

April 2021 — Page #

Board of elders report
March 1, 2021 Minuets
Present were Pastor Fisher, Pastor Raffa, Bob Knuth, Brian Skrentny, Dennis Engmann, John Heger, Jake Hand, Gary Jenovia, Patrick Schiefelbein, absent was Tanner Schmidt.
The meeting began with prayer and devotion at 6:30 pm, March 1, 2021.
Elder’s schedules were made through April 2021. The next Elder’s meeting will be April 5, 2021 at 6:30 pm.
Pastor Fisher reported that a collection plate had been left on the Altar from Ash Wednesday evening until Saturday, when it was discovered and placed into the safe. The Elders were asked to make sure that the collections are placed into the safe by the ushers before leaving after service, along with assuring that the safe is locked.
Pastor Raffa discussed his call to Ebenezer Lutheran Church and some of the elements involved in his decision to remain at Pilgrim.
Pastor Raffa is currently taking classes sponsored by the Crisis Pregnancy Center program, to help determine to what extent Pilgrim will possibly assist this community program.
A web site committee is being organized to update Pilgrim’s web site, Jake Hand and Brian Skrentny volunteered to serve on this committee.
The Elders continued their study of “Man Up”, which should be completed in April. The Elders will begin a new study on “Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity” by Alvin J. Schmidt, beginning in May 2021.
Elder’s meeting closed with prayer at 8:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Knuth

Lutheran library
Simple yet sublime. This is a wonderful book about the intersection of the calamity of life and Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Rev. Dr. Harold Senkbeil gives you no pious platitudes in this book. No, “just get over it,” or “it is a phase that will pass” or the often quoted, “time will heal all wounds.” None that of that rubbish. Rather, he gives you the unvarnished truth about suffering. He makes it plain that you will not, living east of Eden in your fallen flesh, ever have a comfortable life without pain and heartache. But he does assure you throughout his writing that in the hands and words of Christ you will be assured of a comforted life and a promised new life in the new heavens and the new earth by way of His death, resurrection, and ascension. One of the others gems of this little book is that it gives you a brief order of prayer for the morning and the evening. A simple rite to get you in the habit of praying.
There are any number of passages that I would commend to your ear, but simply to wet your appetite I offer this one. “Instead of retreating into your head to cope with misery, you need to get out of yourself. In stressful times fears and doubts cycle endlessly through our minds in a continuous loop of anxiety and distress. Break that ugly cycle. Find a quite place, where you can talk out loud. Open up your Bible, and read aloud the words of Jesus. His words are Spirit and life. Those very words of Jesus will give you the faith you need to speak aloud your prayers and praises, petitions and thanksgivings. Don’t hold anything back. In His calming presence you can pour out the contents of your anguished heart in confident prayer.”
I highly recommend this devotional writing to be added your home library as it will serve you through many hard and wearisome days.
Through Amazon you can get the audio version for 2.99, the paperback for 9.99, or the hardcover for 19.99.

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Church council Report
March 8, 2021 Minutes
The Pilgrim Church Council March 8, 2021 meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President, Bob Knuth. Others in attendance were Pastor Fisher, Pastor Raffa, Rob Selzler, Mary Lehtimaki, Bonnie Leffin, Nancy Rosenthal, Carol Heger, and Jim Behrens.
Pastor Fisher opened the meeting by leading a devotion from the hymnal.
Minutes of the February 8, 2021 meeting were approved without change by common consent.
Elders Report – by Bob Knuth
Pastor Raffa has declined the call to Greensboro NC and will be staying here with us at Pilgrim.
Trustees Report – by Rob Seltzer
Working on an issue with the front door not closing properly.
Continuing to replace the 28 light bulbs (two per fixture) in the back of the church with LED bulbs.
Getting a quote on replacing the church roof to get a good estimate of the cost for planning purposes.
A lock is being added to the Library door for extra security.
Treasurers Report – by Bonnie Leffin
Year-to-date budget report given.
The annual financial audit was completed on February 6.
Pastor Fisher’s Report
Synod has given opportunity though the Siebert Lutheran Foundation for an electronic update grant.
Pastors will attend an April 15 Zoom meeting on the equality act.
Pastors will be away April 19-21 attending the Pastor’s Conference at the Dells.
Pastor Raffa’s Report
Sunday School attendance was up this last Sunday to 15 students in attendance.
Planning a “welcome back” church picnic in September.
On April 8, Rev. David Preus, missionary to the Dominican Republic, will be at Pilgrim for a dinner and presentation.
Is participating in eight, 2-3 hourlong online sessions on Making Disciples for Life, a program sponsored by the Care Net, Seed of Hope pregnancy mentoring center.
Mary Lehtimaki
Quilters are back, working 2nd and 4th Sunday; one of their projects is to provide a blanket for each baptized baby.
Carol Heger
Is continuing work with the Sunshine card group, sending cards to shut-in members and those who are, or have been, ill or in the hospital.
New business
Rob made a motion, seconded by Mary, and passed on voice vote to table until next meeting a discussion about the Pastors Insurance copay amount, while we attempt to find documentation on the amount that was established.
Nancy made a motion, seconded by Bonnie, and passed on voice vote to continue to put monthly financial information in The Pilgrim Herald, but to eliminate it from the Sunday Bulletins.
A motion was made by Pastor Fisher and passed on voice vote to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting ended with a prayer by Pastor Raffa.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Behrens

Trustees:
Trustees are currently working on getting preliminary bids on the church roofing project, for planning purposes. The project needs to be completed before snow flies next winter. Fundraising continues. Thanks to those that have already committed their part to this project. The generosity of this congregation needs to be commended. Let the trustees know if you have any additional roofing companies you would like to recommend for the final bid consideration. Spring cleaning date will be set at the next trustees meeting. Watch the bulletins for that date! If weather stays nice, we may decide to do this yet in April.

April 2021 — Page #

Treasurer’s report
Financial Statement Ending : March 19, 2021
Month Income:	25,427.05
Month Expenses:	11,975.24
Year-to-Date Income:	75,527.24
Year-to-Date Expenses:	71,149.80
Checking Account Balance	31,007.61
Designated Funds Savings Account:
Amazon Balance:	529.52
Tuition Assistance:	2,500.00
General Savings Funds & Accrued Interest: 2,770.10
Flooring Replacement Fund:	2,645.00
Roof Replacement Fund:	39,717.34
Total:	48,161.96
Missions:
Endowment Fund as of : 2-23-2021	167,617.58
Bonnie Leffin, Treasurer

Membership report
Baptized: None
Transferred In:
M/M Jeff & Lynn Kreuser Affirmation of Faith
Miss Laura Kreuser Affirmation of Faith
Mr. Tim Kreuser Affirmation of Faith
Transferred Out:
Jim and Ellen Roerdink to Divine Savior, Hartford.
Released from Membership: None

month volunteer schedule
Thursday, April 1: 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Julie R. / Ginny S.
Elder: Bob K. / Patrick S.
Usher Team: / A
Acolyte: / Josiah Rockrohr
Friday, April 2: 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder: Dennis E. / Tanner S.
Usher Team: / B
Saturday, April 3: 6:30 p. m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder: Patrick S.
Usher Team: / A
Acolyte:
Sunday, April 4: 6:00 a.m. / 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Office
Altar Guild: Ginny S. / Laurie L./ Ellen R.
Elder: Bob K./ Tanner S. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 4 / 3 / 8
Acolyte: Tyler D. / Ian Z. / Luke S.
Thursday, April 8: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Karen S.
Elder: Brian S.
Usher Team: B
Sunday, April 11: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Nancy A.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Julie R.
Elder: Dennis E. / John H.
Usher Team: 1 / 2
Acolyte: David H. / Georgia J.
Thursday, April 15: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ruth K.
Elder: Bob K.
Usher Team: A
Sunday, April 18: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Linda M.
Altar Guild: Norma B. / Carolyn M.
Elder: Jake H. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 3 / 4
Acolyte: Victoria M. / Wade J.
Thursday, April 22: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder: Patrick S.
Usher Team: B
Sunday, April 25 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Kathryn P.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Rita F.
Elder: Jake H. / John H.
Usher Team: 1 / 8
Acolyte: Abby V. / Caden O.
Thursday, April 29: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder: Brian S.
Usher Team: A

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

A Word on the Equality Act
To the Pastors, Called Workers and Members of the 6,000 Congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
The words of the apostle Peter apply to us now:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith — more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. (1 Peter 1:3–8)
The church’s task is not political. It is the proclamation of the Gospel of free salvation in the cross and resurrection of Jesus for all (1 Cor. 1:23; John 18:36). “The Church is the congregation of saints in which the Gospel is purely taught and the Sacraments are correctly administered” (AC VII 1).1
God rules His church by His infallible Word, the Holy Scriptures (John 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:15–16). God rules the state by His eternal law, reason and reasonable laws for the common welfare. “Our churches teach that lawful civil regulations are good works of God” (AC XVI 1; see Rom. 13:1–7). The church should not meddle in government affairs, especially in matters upon which the Word of God is silent. It is also wrong when governments act against God’s eternal law, reason and the basic civil rights of all people. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution enshrines this truth. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Throughout history, governments have acted unjustly — sometimes in the name of race, atheism, communism, religion and even Christianity — and curtailed or denied the rights of conscience and the free exercise of religion. And governments continue to do so. Our Lutheran and biblical confession is that “it is necessary for Christians to be obedient to their rulers and laws. The only exception is when they are commanded to sin. Then they ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29)” (AC XVI 6–7; see 1 Peter 2:13–14).
St. Paul made use of his legal right as a Roman citizen (“I appeal to Caesar” Acts 25:11). “Christ’s kingdom allows us outwardly to use legitimate political ordinances of every nation in which we live, just as it allows us to use medicine or the art of building, or food, drink, and air” (Ap XVI 54). Our Lutheran Confessions commend the seeking of public remedy for injustice.
“Public remedy, made through the office of the public official, is not condemned, but is commanded and is God’s work, according to Paul (Romans 13)” (Ap XVI 59). Our God-given right to act as citizens is very important, especially now.
The Equality Act is before Congress.2 It sounds innocent. All Americans should enjoy equality and the protections of the U.S. Constitution. But in elevating sexual orientation to a protected class, the Equality Act will bring sweeping changes to current laws, to the great detriment of the religious and constitutional freedoms of biblically faithful churches, institutions, Christian schools and individuals.
Jesus referred to Genesis 2:24, when He stated: “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matt. 19:4–6)
In fact, those churches and institutions that are bound by the Word of God to the truth of marriage between a man and a woman, and that sex outside of that institution is contrary to the word of Christ and the apostles in the New Testament (1 Cor. 7:2), could be punished for simply standing on our consistent, ancient Christian beliefs. The Equality Act effectively outlaws the words of Christ, the sublime doctrine of Creation, the First Article of the Creed, and our “free exercise of religion” based upon the Bible and Apostles’ Creed. The biblical teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman is to be labeled forever a mere “sex-based stereotype.”3
The Equality Act expands the definition of “public accommodation” and puts an ultimatum to individuals, religious non-profits, food banks, schools, charities, adoption agencies and others: “Change your faith-based practices or face government punishment.”4
Religious schools (K-12 and universities) are a prime target of the Equality Act, which will make it difficult to maintain standards for admission and codes of Christian conduct for students, faculty and staff.5 The Equality Act will forbid college students from using federal tuition assistance at schools that maintain standards of conduct on the basis of the Bible regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.
Sex-specific facilities and female-only spaces could be eliminated. Biological males will have the right to participate in female sports, unjustly denying female athletes at our schools a fair competition and the due rewards of accomplishment.6
The Equality Act will eliminate the significant protections of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, passed by Congress and signed into law in 1993.7 This law has provided strong protections for “free exercise of religion” in the face of overzealous officials.
The Equality Act contains no conscience protections for medical staff who choose not to perform abortions, even if they have religious objections. Because of its broad definition of “health” services, the Equality Act threatens the Hyde Amendment, which limits public funding for abortion. It also threatens Christian hospitals with elimination of funding for not performing “health” services, including abortion or genital mutilation.
The Equality Act was recently passed by the House and is currently pending in the Senate. The margin is razor thin. If it does not become law now, we can be assured that it will be pressed again. We encourage all LCMS people to:
1. Treat all people with kindness and respect (“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” Mark 12:31), while holding firmly to “the faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
2. Become informed about the Equality Act and the issues of gender dysphoria. (See “Additional Resources” below.)
3. Consider your role as Christian citizens and make your voice known to your elected officials, particularly in the U.S. House (house.gov/representatives) and Senate (senate.gov/senators/index.htm).
4. Pray for our officials, government and the church in these challenging days. Martin Luther once said, “Christ dwells only in sinners.” We recognize ourselves as sinners constantly in need of Christ’s forgiveness. We recognize the truth of the apostle Peter’s words, “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God” (1 Peter 4:17). We know that Jesus’ opponents grumbled against Him by saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). This comforting verse applies to us sinners, and we welcome all others to join us at the feet of Jesus, the sole Savior of all (John 3:16). As Christians, we believe that God has created all people, and all are infinitely valuable and accountable to Him. As Christian citizens, we recognize and demand basic God-given civil rights for all people, even as we insist on the First Amendment rights of Christians.
No matter the course of this or any legislation, Christ will sustain His church. Our hope is not in laws, Congress or courts. Our hope is Christ. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:8–9, 13–17)
Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison President The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Additional resources regarding the Equality Act:
• Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty
• Statement from the LCMS Minnesota South District
• Statement from the LCMS Wyoming District
• LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations — Gender Identity Disorder and Gender Dysphoria in Christian Perspective
• Alliance Defending Freedom — The True Impact of the “Equality Act”
• Heritage Foundation — 11 Myths About H.R. 5, the Equality Act of 2021
Endnotes
1 Citations from the Augsburg Confession (AC) and the Apology of the Augsburg Confession (Ap) are from Paul T. McCain et al., eds., Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, 2nd ed. (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2005).
2 congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5/text.
3 Equality Act, Section. 2, Findings and Purpose: (1) Discrimination can occur on the basis of the sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, …as well as because of sex-based stereotypes.
4 adflegal.org/blog/president-biden-has-promised-pass-equality-act-heres-how-threatens-your-freedoms. See the Equality Act, Section. 2, Findings and Purpose: (11) Individuals who are LGBTQ, or are perceived to be LGBTQ, have been subjected to a history… of discrimination on the bases of sexual orientation and gender identity by both private sector and Federal, State, and local government actors, including in employment, housing, and public accommodations, and in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance…. An explicit and comprehensive national solution is needed to address this discrimination.”
5 LCMS schools serve many who in some way identify with the LGBTQ community. However, our schools have standards of conduct and the expectation of respect for our biblical teachings.
6 Section 1101. Definitions and Rules. “(b)(2) (with respect to gender identity) an individual shall not be denied access to a shared facility, including a restroom, a locker room, and a dressing room, that is in accordance with the individual’s gender identity.”
7 Section 1107. Claims. “The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq.) shall not provide a claim concerning, or a defense to a claim under, a covered title, or provide a basis for challenging the application or enforcement of a covered title.”
Birthdays
2. Benjamin Grosskreuz
Brian Nitzke
Mary Lehtimaki
Dennis Engmann
Karen Spiering
Phyllis Weihert
Jerry Sommer
Melanie Buchholz
Suzanne Stadelmayer
10. Collin Olig
12. Natalie Ruppier
13. Emily Foti
16. Mallorie Held
17. Levi Spaeth
18. Susan Grosskreuz
Michael Mejchar
20. Nancy Rosenthal
23. Darleen Baerenwald
Traci Chapman
Cheryl Virchow
24. Kurt Meyle Jr.
27. Orville Heckendorf
Elaine Pintor
Azalea Wollner
28. Joseph Fisher
Kenneth Sauter
Anniversaries
7. Howard & Marlene Glassel
15. Paul & Barbara Soat
19. Joy & Jeffery Buchholz
Gregory & Betty Voelzke
25. Jeremiah & Gertrude Sullivan
26. Becky & Christopher Ruppier
27. Michael & Linda Mejchar

April 2021— Page #

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Pilgrim News
Holy Week Schedule:
Maundy Thursday
1 & 7 p.m. Divine Service
Good Friday
1 & 7 p.m. Service ( No Communion)
Holy Saturday
Easter Vigil 6:30 p.m.
Easter Sunday
6:00 a.m. Easter Sunrise Matins
8 & 10:30 a.m. Divine Service
Mission Presentation—On Thursday, April 8, 2021 Pilgrim will have the joy of hosting the Preus Family. Rev. David Preuss is a Missionary to the Dominican Republic and will update us on the work that is being done there. He will also serve as preacher for Thursday 7:00 pm. Divine Service.
Bible Class—Beginning April 11th at 12:30 we will start a study of the Old Testament book 1st Samuel. All are welcomed.

April 2021 — Page #

Communal Prayers
For Faithful Pastors and All in Authority: Grace to all preachers to proclaim Christ and your Word in all the world profitably and gladly. Grant that all who hear your Word preached may learn to know Christ and actually improve their lives through him. Exclude from your holy church all strange doctrines and preaching in which Christ is not made known. Be merciful to all bishops and ministers and all in authority, that they may be encouraged by your grace and righty teach and lead us by good word and good example. Protect all who are weak in the faith that they may not be misled by the wickedness of any in authority. Amen.
Prayer for our Pastors: Everlasting gracious, heavenly Father, for my pastor I pray: grant him to speak Thy Word with joy, fearlessly against every error, false doctrine, and abuse; that he may declare and make plain to us the mysteries of the Gospel, and remove from our hearts all delusions. Keep him steadfast in the true doctrine and Christian life, that he may be unto us a leader unto everlasting life. Guard his body against sickness, that to our benefit, he may for a long time go before us and preach Thy divine Word without fear or hesitation, without hypocrisy, not of favor, hatred, jealousy, or for self-advantage, but proclaim the truth in all its purity and fullness, and denounce the evils as becometh them, that I and many more may be won for Thy Kingdom...Save me from becoming tired of hearing and from slothfulness for the inestimable riches of Thy grace, which is tendered to us in the sermon. Grant me grace to know and esteem my pastor as a servant of the divine mysteries, that I receive Thy Word from him without offense, unto the bettering of my life, the abhorrence of sin; and not let corruption pass me by unheeded, nor, that I offend, or despise him by whom the correction cometh. Preserve us all in the true faith and a Christian life, that we may daily grow and increase therein, remaining steadfast unto our end, and be eternally saved; through Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
A Pastor’s Prayer: O Lord God, Thou has set me to be a bishop and pastor in Thy Church. Thou seest how unfitted I am to bear such great and responsible office; and had not thy counsel hitherto sustained me, I had long since brought all to ruin. Therefore, I cry unto Thee: gladly will I submit and give my lips, my tongue, and my heart unto the teaching of the people, and ever learn and occupy myself in Thy Word to consider the same diligently. Use me as Thine instrument: but, dear Lord, leave me not; for were I to be left unto myself, I would quickly bring all to ruin. Amen.
For the Pastor’s Family: O Faithful God, and Lord, I thank You for my family—my wife and children—and for all my relatives. You have given them to me purely out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. Preserve them in good health, and give them their daily bread. But above all keep them in Your grace and in the true confession of Your name to the end. For those among my relatives and friends who do not know You, bring them to repentance and faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Family and friends requesting our prayers: Dick Spiering, Orville Heckendorf, Carl & Lois Pritzlaff, Nancy Rosenthal, Jim Lathrop, Sue Vandlik Fox, Richard & Chloe Fisher, Ruth Mertz, Dot Miller, Joyce Virchow, Jerry & Gert Sullivan, Carolyn Bren, Donna Sommer, Kandie Darmody, June Fry, David & Olivemae Olson, Judy Clark, Jennifer Jensen, Eric Johanen, Diane Behrens, Marge Legate, Suzanne Stadelmayer, Elaine Kuenzel, Ray & Frances Neerhoff, Donald Teske, Connie Hackbarth, Jeanette Guillaume, Inez Schwoch, Glenn Schnabel, Jenny Vickerman, Linda Lukas, Linda Borneman, Nancy Nicholas, Scott Biskobing, Rachel Davis, Marissa Flanders, Linda Schmidt, Vanessa Kuehne, Travis Winkler, Brian Vonlender, Scot Meisenheimer, Thomas Kramlik, and Jody Meisenheimer.

Voice of Faith

April 2021 — Page #

April 2021				1 / Maundy Thursday / 1p Divine Service / 7p Divine Service	2 / 1 & 7p. / Good Friday / Service	3 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study / 6:30p. Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday / 6a. Easter Sunrise Matins / 8a Divine Service / 10:30a Divine Service	5 / 6:30p Board of Elders	6	7 / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class:	8 / 5p Dominican Republic Missions Dinner / 7p Divine Service	9 / Office Closed	10
11 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Enduring Faith / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30 p. Bible Class/ 1 Samuel	12 / 5:30p Board of Trustees Meeting / 7p. Church Council Meeting	13	14 / 9a. Quilters / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class:	15 / 7p Divine Service	16 / Office Closed	17 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
18 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Enduring Faith / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30 p. Bible Class/1 Samuel	19	20 / 12p LWML / Ladies Guild Meeting	21 / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class:	22 / 7p Divine Service	23 / Office Closed	24
25 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Enduring Faith / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30 p. Bible Class 1 Samuel	26	27	28 / 9a. Quilters / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class:	29 / 7p Divine Service	30 / 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

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“You O Lord, Yourself have called him, for Your precious lamb to care. But to prosper in his calling, He the Spirit’s gifts must share. Give him the wisdom from above, Fill his heart with holy love; In his weaknesses Lord, be near him, In his prayers, Good Shepherd, hear him.
LSB 681:2

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Inside this Issue:
Reports/Lutheran Library
4-6
Lutheran News
7-8
Pilgrim News and Birthdays
9
Lutheran Library
10
Communal Prayers
10
Calendar
11
Pastor’s Page
1-3

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