Author: Julie Raffa

April 2023

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

Everything Is Not Going to Be Ok
“You will have tribulation in the world, but take heart; I have overcome the world” [John 16:33]
Centered Alignment

I try not to tell my children that everything is going to be all right.
Don’t misunderstand, when my daughter skins her knee and she is bleeding, I will tell her that she is ok, because I know she is ok. At this point, a Scooby-doo band aid will make everything ok. If she is scared I will tell her that she is safe and that I am here for her no matter what. If she is anxious, I will ask her what she is anxious about, and we can talk through her feelings and the reality of the situation.
Still, I try not to habitually say, “Everything will be all right.” Because, as you and I know, everything will not always be all right.
Not that long ago a dear friend of my son was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. It hit him hard. It’s been a crash course in reality—the reality that life can change in frightening ways in a split second; the reality that friendship entails suffering at a moments notice. At one point, I held him by the shoulders and looked into his watering eyes and told him it was ok, no, right, to weep, to cry, to be worried about his friend. I told him he should pray for his friend. I told him that the news from the doctors was largely good and that the cancer was contained. But I didn’t tell him that everything would be all right.
Within our immediate family and our church family we suffer all sorts of traumas and afflictions. We are not meant as Christians, as the body of Christ, to face this life alone. As members of that one body, Christ, the members of the church have lives intertwined by and with Christ. “You are one body and with many members. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it. If one member is glorified, all rejoice together with that one member” (1 Cor 12:26).
The moments of rupture in our lives are the little “apocalypses” that punctuate every life. They look forward toward the final apocalypse, the complete unveiling of God’s plan for His creation. They’re unpredictable. They’re uncontrollable. Thus, we are taught by our Lord to “stay awake,” that is, be ready in faith to meet the present sufferings of this life, knowing that they are not comparable to the glory that is to be revealed.
For a long time now, our society is manically anti-apocalyptic. We are driven to avoid or minimize these moments of apocalypse, especially when it becomes apparent that we have little control over anything. While we champion these days entrepreneurial risks, whereas things that impinge on our autonomy are increasingly stigmatized: injury and illness, marriage, and family.
This is most clearly seen when it comes to children. Challenging creative play outdoors is discouraged. Schools are astoundingly regimented and “safe.” Fertility is treated like a threat to control rather than a gift to embrace.
Assuredly it’s an improvement that most people will likely not suffer the loss of a sibling in childhood. Child mortality, just under 50 percent of all live births by age five in 1800, in 2020 hit one seventh of a percent in the United Sates. Yet that blessed improvement has led to an obsessive impulse to shield children completely from the reality of mortality, of suffering, from all persistent unpleasantness of being human.
The high childhood mortality rate of earlier ages was not some strange condition. It was not something foreign to our fallen life here east of Eden. Experiencing the rupture of loss or the suffering of a love one at a young age is not some strange anomaly. It’s a result of sin, for through sin, death came into the world. It hurts, therefore, in every era of human history. It leaves scars. It’s a sorrowful thing for children to experience pain in their souls, just as it is for them to experience pain in their bodies. But there is a greater calamity here: the avoidance and sanitation that instills a false sense of security and a false sense of control, both of which are eventually and inevitably, traumatically destroyed.
Take for example the physical scars we bear on our bodies. They tell a story. A mark left by our stupidity or that of others. An historical marker. Of course, some scars of both body and mind involve lasting pain and serious disability, and are rightly addressed, but there’s no need to hide all the evidence of living as a human being—embodied, fallen, frail.
The often quoted bible verse, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9), doesn’t pretend that everything will be ok simply because we have our Lord and His grace and favor. It’s precisely the admittance that the trauma of our ruptured lives is often beyond our ability to predict, control, manage, or determine its benevolent effect in future days and years.
The grace of our Lord amid our ruptured lives, I think is most effectual, when we strip away the veil of all the euphemism that we are fond of using. That we regard life and death before us and around us with open eyes. If an apocalypse is an “unveiling,” as the Greek word emphasizes, then at the very least we should hesitate before replacing that veil with one of our own fashioning.
The goal we aim for in our families is to bear everyday apocalypses not with flinty stoicism but with faithful confidence that every revelation of God’s will, in our time and at the end of time, is also a revelation of God’s grace. This is because beneath the greatest trauma in history was the greatest triumph. Through the lens of the Crucified Jesus, we see the Risen Jesus, the life of the world to come. Though we die in Him, yet shall we live in Him, Jesus says.
The resilience of the Christian, especially the Christian child, therefore, is not the resilience of the violent who ache to goaded into conflict, or the suspicious who avoid relationships to insulate themselves from betrayal, or the doomsday preppers who try to game out every scenario. The resilience of the Christian is the knowledge that, in the Lord, everything is always justified, right, perfect, serene, eternally right—even if here, in the wilderness of sin, death, and Satan, it rarely every is, and it only feels increasingly worse.
The global order built by frail humans always shows its stress fractures. The self-reinforcing sinews of man’s ingenuity turns out to be no match for sin and madness. Conflict hasn’t been and can’t be completely hung on various beliefs and creeds or economic policy. After all, war and upheaval continues. Sadly, it is likely that today’s children will inherit a world more violent and more precarious in every way than the one experienced by post-Cold War generations. The belief that everything will be all right was always a recipe for fragility; now it is simply a pipe dream.
It's a strange wisdom, but for all the fun, joy, and beauty of good days—the impromptu playdates, the cookouts, the fellowship of Christians—it’s the tearful and frightening days, the apocalyptic days that teach us the most valuable lessons, virtues, and truths.
We tell our children the truth on those days. We don’t worry too much about overwhelming their emotions because the context of these conversations always has the backdrop of our Lord’s words: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Children don’t have to be impossibly fragile hidden away from all the sorrows and shadows of life. They can understand hard things from a young age. They can gaze upon their Crucified Lord, and understand, like the rest of us dimly, that the weight of all our burdens have been shouldered by Him alone. They can be strengthened by the Suffering Servant even as they suffer.
The family is where we experience the reality of human life, beginning most intimately with the gift of a child as a new life enters our world. And being open to life means—necessarily, unavoidably—being subject to death. It means accepting the rupture, the apocalypse. When my wife and I suffered two miscarriages, we worked with the hospital staff and a gracious cemetery to hold proper funerals for these two children. The Christian rite of burial and the committal of the body to the ground in hope of the resurrection is distinctively Christian and defiant to sin, death, Satan, and this passing away world. Even in death, because of Jesus, there is grace and hope.
This is why I don’t always feel compelled to say that everything is going to be all right. To not weep. To not morn. To not feel sad. The Christian’s world doesn’t shatter if it isn’t. We believe it’s held together by sterner stuff than our plans and expectations, and even our hopes and dreams. The Psalmist sings, “A sacrifice to God is a broken and contrite spirit; a contrite humble heart, O God, You will not despise” (Ps 51:17).
The apocalypses of everyday life, small and big, might break our bones, slay our spirits, and bury us in snug chambers. But that’s precisely the point. Our Lord beckons us by His Word, putting bone back together, and new flesh on our bones, and bursting our tombs. He is here, with us. He is there, bringing us to that heavenly place, in perfect body and soul, where everything is right as He spoke into existence in the very beginning. In the Bonds of Christ,
Pastor Raffa.
Liturgically Speaking
Chanting: We have begun to chant more of the Divine Service. A brief word is in order as to the reason. Chanting is an elevated form of speech, which honors the words and makes them more distinct and easier to hear. In its purest forms, the music of changing follows the natural flow and rhythm of the text, rather than imposing itself upon the words. Its purpose is simply to carry the words, not to embellish them. This is part of what distinguishes chanting from singing. Chanting does, however, help to set the Divine Words apart from the routine chatter of everyday speaking. It is not surprising then, that Martin Luther encouraged the use of chanting and provided careful direction as to how it might best serve the Word of God.
Vestments: The various robes and other distinctive clothing worn by your pastors also contributes to the decorum for the services. These vestments are not intended to glorify or drawn attention to individual person who wears them, but actually to cover and hide the person while marking and adorning the Office of the Holy Ministry that he bears and serves. The pastor speaks and acts as Christ’s servant; that is, His Office. Vestments help us realize this and confess and give thanks that through the gifts given, Jesus is here severing us with His own Word and Sacraments.
Bowing: Bowing is sign of reverence and respect. In the ancient world, people bowed to emperor and kings, In part, this made them defenseless and vulnerable to attack. They laid their necks open to the king’s sword and, thus, placed themselves at his mercy. We bow before the Lord God because we depend upon His mercy in Christ Jesus, though “...we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment.” The bending low of our bodies before Him is an outward sign of repentant faith. We acknowledge and confess our sin, yet trust the Lord for His forgiveness. We bow before the Lord in reverent faith because we fear, love, and trust in Him alone. We bow out of respect for His divine majesty, because His true glory is too much for sinful mortals to behold; even the holy angels hide their faces in the presence of the Holy Triune God.

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Pilgrim News
Holy Week & Easter Services:
Palm Sunday, April 2
8 & 10:30 a.m. Divine Services
Maundy Thursday, April 6
1 & 7:00 p.m. Divine Services
Good Friday, April 7
1 & 7:00 p.m. Vespers Service
Easter Vigil, April 8
6:30 p.m. Divine Service
Easter Sunrise, April 9
6:00 a.m. Matins Service
Easter Breakfast April 9
7:00 a.m. Served by the Altar Guild & Men’s Breakfast
Easter Services, April 9
8 & 10:30 a.m. Divine Service
Thank you to the Trustees who replaced the blinds in the Church office. They look so much better and they actually work.
Check it Out Signs by our own Dave Fellenz, are available in the hallway outside the fellowship hall,
If there is a sign that you would like but do not see, please contact Dave at 262 - 277 - 1356 or fill out a request and deposit it in the request box near the signs.
Needed for the Pilgrim Pantry Toilet paper, if you get the larger packages of toilet paper please make sure they are able to be separated. The pantry is also in in need of Kleenex and storage bags assorted sized. Thank you.
Ladies Guild/LWML
The Zone 7 Spring Rally will be held at St. John’s Church in Sherman Center. Date: Tuesday, April 25
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. with light refreshments.
Guest Speaker: Roberta Hilgendorf.
The Ingathering will be items for the Orphan Grain Train, Hygiene Kits, whatever item/s you wish to donate will be greatly appreciated. There will be a collection box in the Narthex. Included in each Hygiene box will be: 1 dark colored bath towel, 1 dark colored washcloth, 1 bath size bar of soap, 1 plastic soap box holder, 1 toothbrush, 1 sturdy comb, 6 band-aids (1/2 or 3/4 inch size), 1 small package of facial tissues, 1 nail clipper.
Concordia Civic Choir concert, Sunday April 30 at 3:30 p.m. At the CUW Chapel Triumphant.
The choir includes Pilgrim members: Ron & Kathy Kabitzke and Becky Boehlke
SURPRISE PREGNANCY OR TERMINAL DIAGNOSIS—The resurrected and compassionate Jesus made Himself present in His loved ones’ sadnesses (Luke 24:16-17). Our Lord is not absent but all the more active in our difficulties! He redeems us and our sufferings to usher us into His exceeding glory (Luke 24:26). Not only do His words and ways deliver souls from death, but He also undertakes to relieve all tears from their eyes (Psalm 116:8).
Are you in need of healing from a past abortion decision? Through the love of Christ and through Him you are forgiven. The forgiveness is real and given freely. Word of Hope is there for you, your family and friends, your church—all who are searching for healing following an abortion decision. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Call 888.217.8679. www.word-of-hope.org
There is a better end-of-life approach than assisted suicide.
Life with grace delivers even more blessing than “death with dignity.” Dignity depends on one’s character, not circumstances. Death has no dignity to lend to anybody, but a dignified person can adorn even death with nobility (Acts 7:59-60 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.)
Learn more about Going Gracefully at https://lutheransforlife.org/sermon/going-gracefully-the-gospels-invitation-to-accompanied-suffering-instead-of-assisted-suicide/
LFL of WI, Ozaukee County Life Chapter meeting Tues., May 16, 7:00 p.m.,
River of Life Lutheran Church, Saukville. Please plan on joining us.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8

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Board of elders report
Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church
Board of Elders Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2023
Attendees: Pastor Fisher, Pastor Raffa, Gary, Patrick, Dan, Tim, Kent, Dave, Kent
Absent: Ron, Tanner
Elders received their updated Elder Group Attendance Reports.
The meeting began at 6:30 PM with evening devotion (“Responsive Prayer 1”) and song (“In The Cross of Christ I Glory”) led by Pastor Fisher.
We completed the Elder schedule for April.
The next elders meeting is Monday, April 3 @ 6:30PM.
We reviewed Commandments 4 and 5 (Chapters 4 and 5) from the book we are reading, “Why I Am Joy:Fully Lutheran. We will review the 6th Commandment (Chapter 6) at our April 3 meeting.
Pastor Fisher reminded elders to check the safe when they are on duty to confirm it is locked.
Elder Roundtable:
Pastor Raffa reported the following.
Ruth Mertz had passed away. The service will be Saturday, March 11, visitation 10:30-11:45 am, service at noon.
We will not be able to do the Absolution/Individual Confession at the Easter Vigil. Pastor Raffa, while researching it, learned that it would need to be done in a regular service. We will look at doing this in the future.
The Easter Vigil will be done at our Saturday service. The procession will begin outside and proceed on the church ground into the church. The congregation can be part of the procession. Those who do not want to be in the procession can sit inside the church.
Tim discussed some ideas for the sign in front of the church.
Dave asked for clarification when we have visitors who visit Pilgrim for service, specifically what to ask the visitors if they plan to participate in communion. Pastor Fisher discussed some of the things to ask.
Pastor Fisher said he has two weddings. One will be at Pilgrim on June 24. He will be out of town for one on August 12.
The meeting ended with prayer at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Gary Jenovai
Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church
Church council Report
The Pilgrim Church Council March 13th, 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 lead the group in singing a hymn.
Motion to accept the minutes of the February 13th, 2023, meeting as published in the Herald was made by Tanner Schmidt, second by Nancy Rosenthal, carried.
Elders Report – Tanner Schmidt
After further discussion of the matter Pastor Fisher informed the Elders that they (the Pastors) will hold off for another year on offering individual congregant absolution during the Easter Vigil service.
Pastor Fisher said that so far there are three weddings planned for this year at Pilgrim. He also stated he was asked to officiate his godson’s wedding in Michigan which will take place sometime around the 22nd of August, 2023.
The Elders will serve Thursday evening Lenten Supper.
As of this time Synod had not yet approved the use of their logo on the proposed yard sign design.
Trustees Report – Ron Virchow Jr.
Due to heavy rain with built-up snow, a roof leak developed above the Ladies Restroom closest to the parishioner’s mailboxes. This area was not part of last year’s reroofing project. The roofer that completed that project will be contacted regarding this new problem. Ron noted that there was a balance of about $30,000 from that earlier project for which we have not yet been billed.
Snowblower has been repaired.
Ron notified the West Bend Fire Department as to our decision not to sell them a portion of the church’s property.
TDS Telecom accepted the Trustees counteroffer of

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$8000.00 and are in the process of surveying the site.
We will be using NASCO in the future as our supplier for cleaning items.
The damaged North Parking lot light pole is being addressed.
The garbage disposal issue in the Raffa Parsonage kitchen was repaired.
The new larger pulldown video screen has been installed in the Fellowship Hall.
There was discussion regarding, but no date has been set for, this year’s annual Spring clean-up.
Treasurers Report – Jacob Hand
Nancy Rosenthal and Ruth Kohler were thanked for their work on the audit which they completed March 4th. The results will be published in the April edition of The Pilgrim Herold.
Income and expenses were reported and will be published in the April Herald.
Motion by Tanner with Second by Nancy to set-up auto payment for the NASCO account. Carried.
Motion by Tanner with Second by Karen to accept the Treasurer’s report. Carried
Pastor Fisher’s Report
Pastor Fisher had meeting with pastors from St. John West Bend and St. Andrew. A decision was made that they will all be doing chapel services at Samaritan Home once again on a rotating between the three churches.
Confirmands are moving forward.
Pastor Raffa’s Report
Pastor Raffa thanked everyone who was able to attend Ruth Mertz’s funeral.
Sunday school attendance has been down although the children that could be there are attending church services.
Board of Education – Pastor Raffa
• No report
Ruth Kohler
• No report
Nancy Rosenthal
• The Altar Guild would like to have a place to hang the new banners and other assorted church fabrics/materials. Some designs and storage places were discussed. Motion to build storage device as discussed was made by Nancy with Second by Karen. Carried
Karen Spiering
• The logistics of the 3-23 Lenten meal by the Council were discussed. Pastor Fisher offered to pick up necessary supplies. It was noted that the helpers need be at the church by 4:00.
Phill Gohr
• Phill suggested record keeping of the “Thrivent Action Member” donations to church events, returning all receipts and records of the event, (I.E. Easter Breakfast foods and supplies) to the Treasurer for organized safekeeping for a period of one (1) year as requested by Thrivent. Items are to be given to the Treasurer by the event team members in the mailing envelope in which the donation card was received. The suggestion was roundly approved without motion or vote.
Old Business
Pastor Raffa had no update on Classical Education School program.
Security system: Nothing to report at this time.
A brief review of the Audit Committees work was discussed, and everything was found to be in good order.
New Business
Kevin Hoffman has resigned from the Endowment Fund. It was suggested to create a temporary immediate appointment by the Council to fill the position until a full term person can be voted on by the June Voters Assembly.
Jake Hand brought up that donations made using PayPal do not provide necessary visibility for the Financial Secretary to attribute them to the appropriate parishioner. Jake will print a report each moth for the Financial Secretary.
Next Council Meeting scheduled for April 10th, 2023, at 7 pm.
Motion by Tanner Schmidt with Second by Karen Spiering to adjourn. Carried
Pastor Raffa offered up a prayer for the meeting’s close.
Respectfully submitted,
Phill Gohr

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month volunteer schedule
Sunday, April 2: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Nancy A
Altar Guild: Laurie L. / Nancy R.
Elder: Dave F. / Jeff S.
Usher Team: 3 / 4
Acolyte: Wade J. / Rachel R.
Thursday, April 6: 1:00 / 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Norma B. / Ginny S.
Elder: Gary J. / Kent V.
Usher Team: / B
Acolyte: Jamison S.
Friday, April 7 1:00 / 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S. / Ginny S.
Elder: Patrick S. / Dan S.
Usher Team: / A
Saturday, April 8 6:30 p.m.
Altar Guild: Carolyn M.
Elder: Tanner S.
Usher Team: /B
Sunday, April 9: 6:00 /8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Office
Altar Guild: Carolyn M. / Carolyn M.
Elder: Kent V. / Ron K. / Dave F.
Usher Team: 1/ 3 / 2
Acolyte: Matthias R. / Clayton K. / Josiah R.
Thursday, April 13 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder: Patrick S.
Usher Team: A
Sunday, April 16: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Kathy P.
Altar Guild: Norma B. / Carolyn M.
Elder: Tim K. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 1 /4
Acolyte: Wade J. / Rachel R.
Thursday, April 20: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ruth K.
Elder: Kent V.
Usher Team: B
Acolyte: Jamison S.
Sunday, April 23: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Carolyn M.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Rita F.
Elder: Ron K. / Jeff S.
Usher Team: 3 / 2
Acolyte: Clayton K. / Josiah R.
Thursday, April 27: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder: Dan S.
Usher Team: A
Sunday, April 30 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Julie R.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Rita F.
Elder: Tanner S. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 1 / 4
Acolyte: Matthias R. / Rachel R.

Membership report
Baptized: None
Transferred In:
Craig Martinez received by Affirmation of Faith
Susan Martinez received by Affirmation of Faith
Judy Lehmann received by Affirmation of Faith
Transferred Out: None
Released from Membership:
Mark Schauland Released at own request.
Mary Schauland Released at own request.
Deaths:
Ruth Mertz - March 3, 3023

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The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Lutheran missions
Dear fellow partners in Christ’s mission:
Grace, mercy, and peace be yours in Christ Jesus, our great High Priest, whose holy passion and perfect obedience has made satisfaction for our sins and gained us access to the throne of God’s grace! I bring you greetings from Brașov, Romania, where my family and I have been settled for almost a year now.
I would like to give you an update on the many wonderful things God has accomplished in Romania and the region of Eurasia over the past few months. A good part of my missionary work takes place in my home office through the online Luther Academy, headquartered in Riga, Latvia. Last semester, I taught a Basic Introduction to Greek to our second-year students. I was also appointed as Coordinator of Mentorship, which involves the supervision of student fieldworkers and mentors across the region. Our seminary has many irons in the fire, including colloquy courses with a group of Pakistani pastors. I was slated to travel to Pakistan, but our trip was canceled twice now due to security issues. In conjunction with my seminary activities, I have also been nominated coordinator of theological and pastoral conferences throughout the region, but especially in Spain, Italy, Romania, and Scandinavia. This important and exciting task has put me in contact with Lutheran pastors from all over the region and forced me to acquire additional administrative skills.
Besides all the work related to the Riga Luther Academy and regional conferences, I have been involved in several areas of our European subregion, which we have been calling “The Balkan-Mediterranean.” This area includes congregations in Chișinău, Moldovia; Suceava, Brașov, and Bucharest, Romania; Sophia, Bulgaria; Santorini, Greece; Rome, Padua, and Florence, Italy; and Cartagena, Valencia, Madrid, Galicia, and Sevilla, Spain. I have taken part in two conventions, called “asamblea,” in Spain, one in October of 2022 and another this past February. In Spain, I have represented the Luther Academy and served as a delegate from the LCMS Eurasian region (Rev. Dr. Cory Rajek, regional director).
In the past few months, Spain has faced some severe trials, including the untimely death of their bishop, Rev. José Luis. LCMS (alliance) missionary, Pastor Isaac Machado, and newly elected president, Felipe Lobo, are doing the most their energy can muster to serve that vast area with the means of grace. We continue to remember our Spanish brothers and sisters in our prayers! Meanwhile, we have much work to do across the entire subregion. Wherever, by God’s grace, new opportunities for planting churches arise, the needs of our existing and scarcely tended churches persist.
In addition to my duties in Riga and the subregion, I serve as assistant pastor to Rev. Sorin Trifa. You can learn more about him (and us) by visiting his webpage: https://www.bisericalutherana.ro/. If you are on Facebook, you may also find updates and photos at: https://www.facebook.com/public/Sorin-Trifa. Having served alongside Pastor Trifa since April 1, 2022, we have gained seven new members, including Costin, a transfer from Bucharest, and Claudiu through confirmation. We have a total of about 20 members, and God is adding to our number.
Pastor Trifa has many contacts throughout Romania and the Balkan lands. He regularly appears on a television series on the Romanian station, “A7TV,” where he converses and debates with pastors and leaders of other Protestant denominations. These many appearances, which reach an audience of well over a hundred thousand people, have given us a golden opportunity to teach the Lutheran distinction between law and gospel to folks who have never heard the gospel preached. Sorin’s television appearances led to several contacts, including a group of Lutherans from Iași, Romania, and several young men in the western parts of Transylvania. Of course, follow-up remains difficult, as in-person visits require much more travel than we are presently able to do. Dear God, grant us more laborers and strength!
It is important, especially in Transylvania, where Lutheranism has had a historical presence, that we let the public know our confessional Lutheran church exists. Since the Romanian Revolution of 1989, the fall of communism, and subsequent exposure to western influences, many old Lutherans have strayed from the German and Hungarian Lutheran churches in the area. Not only is the preaching of the forgiveness of sins for Jesus’ sake absent in these territorial churches, but even today, pastors preach exclusively in the old languages, Hungarian and German. This makes our “Confessional Lutheran Church” the only Lutheran Church that preaches the gospel in the Romanian language. To this end, I have been learning Romanian and am even taking a (partial) break from teaching at Riga in order to concentrate on my language studies. (However, I still do teach the “Praxis for Theologians” course, take part in regular weekly meetings, and supervise mentorship and fieldwork.) Although I am still at a lower-intermediate level with the language, I can conduct the liturgy and have even begun to preach twice per month in Romanian.
Through a grant from the LCMS for Ukrainian refugee relief, we have acquired a building where we will provide room and board, including physical and spiritual care, to our Ukrainian refugees. We are currently supporting nineteen Ukrainians in rented facilities in the nearby town of Secele, but as soon as we finish the necessary renovations, we will move these families to town. I would like to highlight one of these families. Alex and Alina Yarotska and their two little girls attend church every Sunday. Alex works construction with a group of Moldavans, so he gets along fine speaking Russian with his coworkers. Alina works parttime as a gymnastics coach in a gymnasium here in Brasov. Alex understands a bit of English, which helps tremendously with communication and logistics. In addition to Romanian, the collect of the day, readings, and sermon are preached in English. Since Alina understands very little English, I have memorized a few phrases in Russian like, “Это кровь Христа” (“This is the blood of Christ”), etc., so that she may at least hear the voice of her Savior in a few words.
With all of our contacts and ever-increasing opportunities, we have found it necessary to install Veaceslav Cusmenco, recently confirmed along with his wife and son, as deacon in the Lutheran Church of Moldova. Meanwhile, he is pursuing theological instruction by whatever means necessary. For now, Veaceslav translates our sermons into Russian, which he preaches to as many as twenty people gathered around the Service of the Word. (Since the Republic of Moldavia was part of the U.S.S.R., most Moldavians speak both Romanian and Russian.)
Due to the scarcity of theological literature in Romanian, we are in pursuit of Russian resources. We hope to bring Rev. Andrei Ivolga, a Russian refugee and pastor from the Siberian Evangelical Lutheran Church, either to Chișenau, Moldova, or here to Brasov. In this case, Andrei, who is fluent in both English and Russian, would help us serve the Ukrainians as well. Since Jenny and our daughter, Rebekah, have earned certification as English instructors, they plan to begin classes with the Ukrainians as soon as the refugees are settled in the Brasov residence.
Dear friends, I have so much more to tell you, but this letter has already become quite long. I promise to write you soon to give you another update with more description of our mission. We are not worthy of the glory God is manifesting through the preaching of Christ crucified here in Romania and throughout the Eurasian region. But I thank him for this opportunity to be a part of it. And you, too, are a part of this! Pray that God would open many more doors so that we may keep going out and bringing in the harvest!
Your brother in Christ,
David Preus
Reflections from home, by Jenny
We are celebrating our anniversary of one year in Brasov, Romania. In fact, we are currently in the process of renewal for our residency status for another year! Since the initial visa process took almost 6 months for the children, we are hoping their renewal goes more quickly this year. Last year, there was a period of a few months where the children couldn't leave the country while their residency was pending, which caused us to miss attending the annual retreat with other regional missionaries in Greece in August. Fortunately, all was processed eventually and their residency was finally approved in September. Apparently, delays were on account of the Ukrainian refugee crisis and Covid visa backlogs. In spite of minor setbacks and growing pains, the children and I are relishing the stability of our new home and routine. After moving from one international mission field to another with a brief overlay in the United States, we are thankful for God's provision in body and soul over the past year as we now work and serve here in Eurasia. I'll share a few of the highlights of our past year but will rely mostly on pictures.
The children continue with schooling using various online and self-paced programs. To varying degrees, they have begun learning Romanian. Rebekah and I just finished the first level course which was led by an instructor from the University of Transylvania, and Rolf studied independently and achieved an intermediate level of Romanian within the first 6 months of moving here. David is also studying in his free time and just preached in Romanian for the first time a couple of weeks ago.
A few of the older kids and I have started weekly guitar lessons with a local instructor. He pushes us pretty hard and we've been able to add quite a few American folk songs to our repertoire. It's also been fun to recall some songs from my youth that I had forgotten about until now. Since learning guitar has been a goal of mine for a while, this hobby has brought me a lot of joy.
A couple of months after moving here, our church organist had to quit. He was a university student whom Pastor Trifa hired to accompany our services, but this vacancy required that I step into the position as our new church organist. It is a new role for me, and one that I need to continue working at.
At the beginning of February, I was able to accompany David to Spain for an assembly he attended there. We took this opportunity in part as a celebration of our 20-year wedding anniversary! It was great fun seeing some of the sights in Madrid and Toledo while also meeting some of the pastors and church members at the mission there. The kids did a great job of holding down the fort while we were away.
We have also enjoyed regular gatherings with other missionaries and new friends whenever opportunities arise.
We sent out a Christmas letter and hope that anyone on this mailing list received it. If you did not receive the letter, please be sure to email David with your address and we'll be sure to send one soon.

April 2023 — Page #

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Communal Prayers
For Palm Sunday: Lord Jesus, King of kings, I praise You with my hosannas and welcome You as the King of all creation. I confess, gracious Savior, that I have not been true to You as You have been to me. Other interests have placed themselves above You. Have mercy on me, and forgive my transgressions. Strengthen my heart and mind with the assurance of my adoption and transform me according Your image by the daily renewing of my Baptism. Preserve me in the faith until the end of days, that I may behold You in glory forevermore. Amen.
For Maundy Thursday: Eternal Savior, how can my heart show its appreciation of Your love? It can never repay what You have done for me. You have sealed to me the forgiveness of all my sins and given me reconciliation and peace in the blessed Sacrament You instituted on this day. You have promised to give me, with the bread and the cup, Your body and blood for the forgiveness of all my sins. What riches of divine love! May I ever hold sacred this blessed Sacrament that You have bidden me to use as a memorial of Your death and a testament to Your unbounding love. Preserve in Your Church this blessed Sacrament, given on this sacred day. Let all Your people find in it the assurance of forgiveness, peace and salvation. Amen.
For Good Friday: Christ, Lamb of God, slain for the sin of the whole world, with penitent heart I come to You, pleading for mercy and forgiveness. My sins—and they are many—have added to the burden of Your suffering and have nailed You to the accursed tree. For me You tasted the agony of utter darkness that I might not perish but have everlasting life. O Christ, Lamb of God, embrace me with Your love and forgive me all my sin. Your death brings healing to my soul, peace to my mind, cleansing to my heart. O Christ, Lamb of God, grant that I may hate sin and wickedness more and more as I behold You in Your great agony. My grateful heart find hope in Your words, comfort in Your promises, and salvation in Your finished work on the cross, by which You have overcome sin, Satan, and death.
For Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil); Heavenly Father, I am silenced at the grave of Your Son, who knew no sin, yet was made sin for us. You permitted Him to die, exchanging His innocence for our guilt. In love He came to us, but He was rejected by hate. He taught us obedience, but men rebelled against Him. I confess that a great mystery confronts me at this tomb of sin and death. He was buried behind the great seal of my sin and my death. By faith I know also that He who dies is the One who unlocked the great secret of Your love. His tomb is my tomb. He carried with Him to the grave my sin and my death, that He might break their hold on me. Trusting in the Lord’s promise that He would rise again on the third day, I come not to mourn Him but to confess the sin that He would leave buried. Have mercy on me, O God. Amen.
Family and friends requesting our prayers: Rev. Kurt Ziemann, Deb Brathovde, 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, 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

April 2023 — Page #

Birthdays
2- Benjamin Grosskreuz
Brian Nitzke
3- Mary Lehtimaki
5- Dennis Engmann
Karen Spiering
6- Phyllis Weihert
7- Jerome Sommer
8- Melanie Buchholz
Alexander Franke
Suzanne Stadelmayer
9- Lynn Kreuser
10- Collin Olig
11- Natalie Ruppier
13– Emily Foti
Tiffany Schneeweis
Jennifer Stuckey
16- Mallorie Held
17– Levi Spaeth
18– Susan Grosskreuz
20– Nancy Rosenthal
21– Katie Schettle
23– Traci Chapman
Cheryl Virchow
27- Azalea Wollner
28- Rev. Joseph Fisher
Kenneth Sauter
Anniversaries
7- Howard & Marlene Glassel
9- Gregory & Betty Voelzke
26- Becky & Christopher Ruppier
27– Tim & Sherry Cullen

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)

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 #

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

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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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“A Christian must look to the words of Christ for peace and rest in his heart. His heart must cleave to them and be completely enveloped in them. Then a Christian can let his foes divest him of this garment, that is, of flesh, bones, skin, and hair. For if he retains the Word and takes it with him, then this garment will be restored to him on the Last Day.”
[Martin Luther LW 24:418-419]

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Inside this Issue:
Pilgrim News & Reports
3-6
Lutheran Missions
8
Communal Prayers
10
Birthdays & Anniversaries
11
Calendar
12
Liturgically Speaking
7

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