Author: Julie Raffa

May 2021

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

Fear Not
By
Rev. Joseph Fisher

Genesis 3:8-10 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.”
It all starts here. They heard God and were afraid. Adam and Eve had fallen, and all mankind falls with them. Because of sin we all have fears real and imagined, and our year plus of constant pandemic news, talk, lockdowns, masking, and loved ones getting sick or dying of this new cause has only increased our fears.
If you search the internet, you can find all sorts of lists of fears/phobias. There are four major specific phobia types, natural/environmental, animals, medical treatment/mutilation, and situations. By one count, there are over 500 known scientifically documented phobias and the list continues to grow each day.
With the recent container ship stuck in the Suez Canal people with megalophobia (the fear of large objects) submechanophobia (a fear of submerged – partially or entirely – humanmade objects) and naviphobia or navisphobia (a fear of ships and sea wreckage) has been on the increase.
Some phobias are commonly known, like Acrophobia is the fear of heights, Claustrophobia is the fear of confined spaces. Some phobias are less known, Politicophobia is the fear of politics or politicians, Zeusophobia is the fear of god or gods. Theophobia, the fear of religions. Phobophobia is the fear of phobias, and a new recently added phobias is Coronaphobia, you guessed it the fear of COVID-19. But no list would be complete unless I include Homilophobia which is the fear of sermons. These are all scientifically accepted fears that people struggle with, not things to be laughed, or mocked, and there are many more, but all are connected in one way or another to one fear, the fear of death (Thanatophobia).
Death as you know was brought by sin, and we have been living in a constant fear of death or causing someone’s death since the Pandemic shook us from our slumber of eat drink and be merry. This fear is the dread of knowing we are not all right. That there is something very wrong, very wrong with us, as we stand before our God. This fear that should have every human quaking and shivering, is the fear of the wrath of almighty God.
For sinners deserve death and punishment and eternal condemnation. This is what true fear is about. Fear that because of my sin, my own sin, my own most grievous sin, God will say to me at the judgment “depart from me you evildoer”, perhaps the most fearful words in all of scripture.
There is a part of us, even as Christians, that still fears such a thing. Life-long believers (and good Lutherans at that!) still fear that God will drag all their sins out in the open before His judgment throne. That somehow, when scrutinized, we will be found lacking. These kinds of fears are the delight of Satan, who wants us to doubt, and worry, and despair and keep our eyes on things below not on things above.
So how can we deal with fear? We could watch other people seemly be brave doing all sorts of fearful stunts, from the dangerous to the gross. But how does that help me with my fear? We could use methodical desensitization, and little by little, get closer and closer to that which we fear, but again how does that help us with the ultimate fear? How do you desensitize the fear of eternal judgment? Maybe, we could be rid of fear by thinking positive, “Don’t worry be happy”. Nope. That doesn’t work either does it. These are all human answers. And therefore, they are limited and will fall short.
Jesus speaks to His disciples about the one thing we should fear, 4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! (Luke 12:4-5) You guessed is there is a phobia for this too, Stygiophobia is the fear of Hell. There is only one fear that God speaks favorably of, the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. Therefore, Jesus strives to lay our fears aside by assuring us of our Heavenly Father’s love and care for each one of us, 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7)
The phrase “fear not” or “be not afraid” appears in God’s Word at least 365 times, whether its God telling Abram, “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” (Genesis 15:1) or God’s promise to Israel through the prophet Isaiah, 10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) or Jesus speaking to His disciples who thought they had seen a ghost as He approaches them while walking on water, Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27), or Jesus greeting to the women on the way to tell the disciples that first Easter morning, Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:10)
But all this talk about “fearing not” is useless, isn’t it, if God doesn’t actually do something about it. Well fear not, for God does. St. John wrote in his first letter to the early Church: “Perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18). God shows His love for whom He created in His image; we are the very the crown of His creation. We are loved by God so much so that the Father willingly sent His only begotten Son Jesus the Christ to pay for our sins and conquer death by His death and resurrection. Which I’m sure is why we love John 3:16-17 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Our fear of standing before God’s judgment is taken away, because Christ stood in our place, hung on our cross, and bore the wrath and anger and judgment of God for us. Our deepest, darkest fears come into focus at the cross, and there they are put away in the death of Christ. There, God said, “get away from me” to Christ, as Jesus fulfills Psalm 22 being forsaken by the Father for us. There, God’s anger was unleashed on the sinless Son of God. There, God’s righteous judgment was meted out in full measure, on Christ. Everything we could fear, Christ took, and took it away from us and into the tomb. At the cross, the power of fear is destroyed forever, because the power of our greatest fear eternal death for the guilt of our sins is destroyed forever.
So, when Jesus says, “fear not”, He has the standing and the authority to say it. When Jesus says, “fear not” He isn’t just saying it! He’s all about making it happen taking our fears away by taking our sins away through the Word and Sacraments. Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. We need not fear danger, or famine, or nakedness, or sword, or angels or demons, or the present or the future, nor anything else in all of creation, not even death. We are safe with Him, in His love, in the ark of the Church, joined to Jesus.
Or have you not heard, Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!! Alleluia!!! In Jesus name. Amen

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Pilgrim News
The Endowment Fund has fund available for distribution, the deadline for requesting funds is June 4, 2021. Students attending any LCMS school or university are encouraged to apply for funds for tuition and other expenses. The Student must agree to be acknowledged as a recipient from the fund. The Pilgrim Office has the request forms available.
Ladies Guild/LWML - Our Ladies Guild Group began meeting again in September. We have had Bible Studies led by Jane Rockrohr and cleaned the church kitchen in October. Many of us had attended the Fall Rally in Sherman Center.
Thank you to the congregation for the donations of money to support the “Virtual Ladies Guild cookie Sale” which was $526.
Because several of our members had covid in December, we enjoyed our Christmas Party in January. We hosted the Zone 7 Prayer Service led by Pastor Raffa. Now at our April meeting we look forward to watching “The Road to Emmaus”. We also look forward to the Spring Rally to be held at Cascade with the ingathering items to be given to the Salvation Army.
LWML is supporting Rev. Micah Wildauer and Vicar Austin Meier. Because of the generosity of Dorothy Young and her memorial gift to our group, we have been able to gift Rev. Preus. With the spring/summer months approaching, we will have a picnic and meet again in September. We thank God for our congregation and their support to our group.
Please be aware in the Church Directory of Officers and Organizations, If an area Code is not listed it will be the 262 area code.
Confirmation for the 2021 class is tentatively scheduled for Pentecost on Sunday, May 23, 2021 at the 10:30 a.m. service.

www.lutheransforlife.org
For information about LFL or how you can obtain “LifeDate”, our LFL quarterly journal, filled with articles connecting the gospel message to all LIFE issues in every publication, please go to http://www.lutheransforlife.org/ or call 888.364.LIFE.
LFL of Wisconsin, Ozaukee County Life Chapter meets to celebrate LIFE at River of Life Church, Saukville, on the 3rd Tuesday of the months of February, May and October, 7:00 pm. Next gathering is Tuesday, May 18! Everyone is welcome! Call 262-618-4000 for information about our local group.
Spring Clean Up is scheduled for May 1, 2021 at 9 a.m., with a rain date of May 15. There are plenty of jobs that need to be done inside and outside of the church property. If you would like to help and cannot make the Clean Up day, please contact a trustee for a job that can be done on your schedule.

May 2021 — Page #

Board of elders report 4-5-2021
Present were Pr. Fisher, Pr. Raffa, Bob, Dennis, Brian, Gary, Jake, Patrick and Tanner.
Absent was John.
The meeting began with prayer and devotion at 6:30.
The organist schedule was approved as written with the understanding that some dates are flexible owing to medical needs. Schedules were made through May. The Pastors will be out April 19-21 at conferences.
The Alliance for Defending Freedom recommends additions to church constitutions and/or bylaws as legal insulation against possible trouble in light of the transgender movement, which the elders accept and commend to the council for future acceptance at voters.
The church will likely be approved for 10 years of Microsoft Office Suite for business, pending completion of a grant for such by Pr. Fisher.
The sound system is to be upgraded pending a grant; such will ideally replace the microphones with clearer and rechargeable ones and add audio mixer equipment to give better sound quality to the sanctuary, church at large, and stream. This is pending action on a grant as well.
The elders recommend removing the chancel (red) carpet in order to see the condition, quality, and color of the floor beneath. The elders approve of holding services in the fellowship hall for two or so weeks in the summer to install and finish new oak flooring if necessary. (The new floor and work are being donated.)
The elders began discussion of a questioner: liturgical adornment in the sanctuary, to be continued next month.
The elders recommend removal of the entrance COVID signage. While we encourage those with legitimate health concerns to take precautions, and while we appreciate masking and distancing for the sake of others, we also recognize that at a certain point our culture of fear causes more damage than is acceptable to reason, and certainly more than is reasonable in our specific congregation.
The meeting closed with prayer @ 8:15.
Respectfully submitted,
Tanner Schmidt

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Church council Report
Church Council April 12, 2021 Minutes
The Pilgrim Church Council April 12, 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, Tanner Schmidt, and Jim Behrens.
Pastor Fisher began the meeting by leading a devotion from the hymnal.
Minutes of the March 8, 2021 meeting were corrected, changing the day the Quilters meet from Sunday to Wednesday.
Elders Report – by Tanner Schmidt
Working on getting grant to improve the sound system.
Doing pre-planning for the Chancel floor work.
Trustees Report – by Rob Selzler
Cleanup day will be May 1, with May 15 is a backup day in case of rain.
Checking furnaces for carbon monoxide gas as a slight odor has been detected in the office area. Only low readings have been recorded thus far.
Bids for the new roof have been requested from Great Lakes Roofing of Germantown and Lopez Roofing of Fond du Lac.
Installed a new door on the closet in the old Fellowship room. The old door had a hole through it.
Treasurers Report – by Bonnie Leffin
Year-to-date budget report was given.
Found documentation that shows that the Pastor’s annual Medical reimbursement amount had been established at $2000 for each pastor.
Pastor Fisher’s Report
Pentecost Sunday, May 23, will be confirmation day.
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
The April 8 event to host Rev. David Preus, missionary to the Dominican Republic, was a big success, with about 80 people attending and over $1500 raised to support his work.
Completed Seed of Hope online course. Will be meeting with them this Tuesday to learn more.
Carol Heger
Around 40 Easter cards were sent by the Sunshine card group. The next mailing is planned for summer.
Old business
Documentation was found that shows the Pastor’s insurance co-pay amount had been established at $2000 for each pastor.
New business
A motion by was made by Nancy, 2nd by Tanner, and passed on voice vote to remove the two signs on the doors recommending that Covid masks be worn.
A motion was made by Tanner and passed on voice vote to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting ended with a prayer by Pastor Raffa.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Behrens

May 2021 — Page #

Treasurer’s report
Financial Statement Ending :
Month Income:	$22,557.44
Month Expenses:	16,826.15
Year-to-Date Income:	$110,958.76
Year-to-Date Expenses:	105,252.47
Checking Account Balance	$25,067.84
Designated Funds Savings Account:
Amazon Balance:	$529.52
Tuition Assistance:	3,750.00
General Savings Funds & Accrued Interest: 2,770.10
Flooring Replacement Fund:	2,645.00
Roof Replacement Fund:	41,237.34
Total:	$50,931.96
Missions:
Endowment Fund as of :	$167,696.74
Bonnie Leffin, Treasurer

Membership report
Baptized: None
Confirmed:
Joshua Rockrohr on April 18, 2021
Transferred In: None
Transferred Out: None
Released from Membership: None

month volunteer schedule
Sunday, May 2: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Julie Raffa
Altar Guild: Laurie L. /
Elder: Bob K. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 3 / 2
Acolyte: Dylan Z. / Rachel R.
Thursday, May 6: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder: Brian S.
Usher Team: B
Acolyte:
Sunday, May 9: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Nancy A.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Julie R.
Elder: Jake H. / John H.
Usher Team: 1 / 4
Acolyte: Ian Z. / Matthias R.
Thursday, May 13: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Karen S.
Elder: Dennis E.
Usher Team: A
Acolyte:
Sunday, May 16: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Carolyn M.
Altar Guild: Norma B. / Carolyn M.
Elder: Tanner S. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 3 / 8
Acolyte: Victoria M. / Josiah R.
Thursday, May 20: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ruth K.
Elder: Patrick S.
Usher Team: B
Acolyte:
Sunday, May 23: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Linda M.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Rita F.
Elder: Jake H. / John H.
Usher Team: 1 / 2
Acolyte: Tyler D. / Luke S.
Thursday, May 27: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder: Dennis E.
Usher Team: A
Acolyte:
Sunday, May 30: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Kathryn P.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Ginny S.
Elder: Tanner S. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 3 / 4
Acolyte: David H. / Georgia J.

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Lutheran Missions
A Homily by Rev. David Preus
1 John 5:4-12
“The Faith that Overcomes the World”
Science and Religion. Observation and Faith. Reality and Hope.
Have you ever seen the Covid 19 (SARS-CoV-2)? I’ve never seen it. I believe or disbelieve the word and teaching of others who themselves, presumably, have seen it. I may or may not put my faith in what the scientists tell me. I may or may not believe what I hear. We depend on their testimony. And you see by the way people talk and behave whether they acknowledge that testimony.
St. Paul teaches in Romans 10: “Faith comes by hearing.” This faith, says Hebrews, is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
But faith in things unseen is not simply blind hope. Our religion does not teach a faith without a certain basis in reality. Those who testify are real. They speak the truth. When Jesus says: “Blessed are those who have not seen, yet believe,” he is enjoining us to believe the testimony of God himself.
We weren’t there. We didn’t see it. We did not see John the Baptist baptize Jesus in the Jordan. We don’t hear Jesus preach. We have not seen any of his miracles. We didn’t see him die. We didn’t see him after rising from the dead. We do not touch the marks on your hands or on his side. But we believe in the One who came by water and by blood. We believe in the One who was baptized in the Jordan, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. St. Paul writes to the Corinthians:
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…” (1 Co 15:3–4).
We trust witnesses for what we believe. Our faith is not based on itself. Faith in faith is not faith at all. Do you understand? We don’t find our faith by looking within ourselves. Yes, there is faith within your heart. But you cannot find it by looking for it. There are many false, even sinful, beliefs in our hearts. People believe all kinds of silly things that are based on no credible testimony at all. If faith is to be more than self-deception or wishful thinking, it must be based on solid testimony. There is a threefold witness that testifies to us Christians and establishes our faith for us. It is the testimony of the Spirit, the water, and the blood.
These we call these the marks of the church because they identify where the community of faith is. We also call them the means of grace because they are the means through which God gives us his grace. Grace is favor; it is the love we do not deserve. It is God’s good will towards men that Jesus merited for us by perfect life of obedience, passion, and death. God’s grace is revealed in Christ’s suffering for us. Through the means of grace we are brought to faith. The faith that God works in us through the means of grace is the victory that overcomes the world. The threefold testimony that testifies to us Christians, calling us to faith and keeping us in true faith is the Spirit, the water, and the blood.
The Spirit is the preaching of the gospel of the forgiveness of sins through the love of Christ. Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace be with you! As the Father sent me, I also send you.” And when he said this, he breathed on them, and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, they will be forgiven; If you keep anyone's sins, they will be retained.”
The Spirit is the one who testifies. He testifies to the crucified and risen Lord Jesus. He testifies through the preaching of the gospel. He testifies through the absolution. When the Spirit speaks, he gives what he says. That is the thing unseen, yet by imprinting this truth on our hearts, he builds a certain conviction. The gospel is the effective preaching of the Holy Spirit. Those who speak these words are merely instruments. They don’t give the gospel its power. The testimony of the gospel is the testimony of the Holy Spirit. The gospel is God forgiving us our sins for the sake of the real and historical obedience, suffering, and death of Christ for us sinners. This is what St. John means when he says that the Spirit testifies.
The water testifies. The water of Holy Baptism is not just simple water, but it is the water included in the mandate of God and linked to his Word. As such, it is the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Just as water and blood flowed from the side of Jesus (and Saint John was an eyewitness of this event) so the washing of Holy Baptism is a purification of sin, washing us completely, filling us with the Holy Spirit, placing the name of the Holy Trinity on us, making us children of God. That’s how the water testifies.
The blood testifies. Saint Paul writes: “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?” It certainly is. The sacrament of the body and blood of Christ is not something we offer to God as a sign of our sincerity. It is a gift from God to us. It is the body and blood of Jesus, given and shed for us on the cross of Calvary 2,000 years ago—there, in real-time and history—once and for all time, to obtain eternal life for us. When we eat and drink the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper, we are receiving the testimony of God Himself. We hear: “Given and poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.” We take into our bodies the body and blood of Jesus. The testimony of the gospel goes into our ears and enters our hearts when the body and blood of the Savior enter our own bodies.
This threefold witness is invincible! God himself testifies to us. This testimony is greater than any mere human testimony. It is the testimony that the Father gives of his Son. We who are born of God, who by the power of God believe in this testimony, have the testimony within us. This is the faith that conquers the world.
Faith is within us. But it comes from outside of us. Apart from the triple testimony of the Spirit, of the water and of the blood, we remain blind inside, unable to see our way to God, to heaven or to true goodness here on earth. We remain blind for the prince of this world, the devil.
People oppose this teaching. They say that faith makes salvation too easy. Is not easy. He who came by water came by blood. That was not easy. Jesus bore the sin of the whole world. That was difficult, not easy.
Faith is not easy either. Only God can grant it. No one can establish his own faith. Self-made faith is not faith. It’s a bunch of nonsense. There are more ridiculous religions out there than you can imagine. True religion, to whom the Spirit of truth testifies, is not easy to believe. It requires the almighty Holy Spirit to give us the power to believe. That is why we need the triple testimony of the Spirit, the water, and the blood.
Another objection is that this teaches that we can go out and commit any kind of sin we want and it doesn’t matter because as long as we believe in the Son of God we will have eternal life, regardless of how we live our life. This objection is based on the false conception of faith, as if it were simply a historical knowledge and based on the facts and nothing else. Faith trusts in the forgiveness of sins. It trusts the gospel. The gospel is the power of God unto everyone who believes. Faith produces the fruit of a new spiritual life. It is, as St. Paul describes it in Galatians chapter 5: “faith working through love.” This life we live by faith in Christ Jesus is a live that is lived under the grace of God. We will never be completely free from sin in this life because until our bodies die, our sinful nature clings to us. But the life of faith is a life of repentance. May God grant us true repentance every day!
The threefold testimony of absolution, washing, and blood of the New Testament sustains us in true faith. We don’t have to wonder where we stand with God and where we will spend eternity. We are children of God and we have eternal life. We are on our way to heaven where there is no sin, suffering or death.
To deny this is to call God a liar. Our confidence that we have eternal life is not confidence in the flesh. It is trust in the clear testimony of the Holy Spirit, who points to Jesus, the Son of God. We have eternal life in the Son of God and in that we are sure. This is our victory over the vain promises of the world. Of that I am certain! Amen.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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The following is the sermon that Rev. David Preus preached here at Pilgrim, April 8th at our Divine Service. Rev. Preus serves as a theological teacher and pastor in Dominican Republic.
If would like to personally support Rev. Preus’ missionary efforts you may write a check, payable to the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Make sure to write on the memo line, “Preus-Dominican Republic Support
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May 2021— Page #

From the Fort
Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled
By Rev. Scott Murray

CTS exists
to form servants
in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost, and
care for all.

As people are recovering from the devastating effects of COVID-19, many feel that their trial is a sign of their weakness or their sin or their unrighteousness. Sometimes we are even unable to articulate this, though the anxiety and pressure leaves us with this vague unease that our suffering is a divine judgment against us. When trial and testing come upon us, we so easily presume that they are a sign of God’s wrath, that He is punishing us with such burdens and sorrows. Several people have said to me, “Pastor, I know that God is trying to teach me something by this crisis, but I don’t yet know what it is.” The human heart is bent toward self-blame. We fall into what we think of as a moral explanation for our sorrows: “I must’ve done something to deserve this.” This, of course, is the flip side of moral self-righteousness, which presumes that good things happen to me because I have been good. The human heart, in its perversity, is also geared toward self-righteousness. Both self-blame and self-righteousness are equally perverted. If we find the meaning of our trouble in our own hearts, we will never know what God wants to teach us by our trial.
Christians see their trial and suffering quite differently from those who do not know God’s love in Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for our sins by suffering on the cross of Calvary and offering His blood for us. He has made the full payment for sin. Why would we think that our suffering would be some kind of co-payment? How could we consider the priceless blood of Christ to be in any way supplemented by the value of our suffering, sorrows, or trials? If we did, we would be looking at the moral value of our world through the lens only of the Law and not of the grace of God in Christ Jesus. If we live only in the Law, we will never understand the blessing of the crosses that God sends us to exercise and strengthen our faith.
When I am in the midst of trial or difficulty, I am greatly encouraged by walking with Christ to Golgotha’s hill. Here is the greatest trial, agony, and suffering. It dwarfs our own. I’m not trying to minimize the significance of our human suffering. No, when I cannot understand the meaning of my own suffering, walking to Calvary with Jesus shows me that the most blessed person, Christ Himself, undergoes the highest agony. It shows me that the greatest blessing flows out of the greatest suffering. If the sinless Son of God can undergo suffering and agony for my sake, it changes the meaning of my own suffering.
His heavenly Father laid on Him the iniquity of us all, that we might be freed from our sin. His suffering changes the moral meaning of everything. It changes the meaning of our suffering. God uses it to strengthen our faith and make us all the more thankful confessors of His Gospel. Our suffering cannot be a payment, because Christ has paid for every and all sin. Therefore, our suffering must mean something else. Our trials mean that God is urging us into greater faith, a higher confidence in Him, and an otherworldly certainty about His grace toward us. We are becoming blessed with the Blessed One, who sanctified our suffering. Only through the Gospel will we ever know the meaning of our suffering
From time to time, I suffered anxiety and fear because of all the frightening things that happened this past year and still echo through our culture and nation. Last April, when churches shut down and services went virtual, I suffered 10 days of deep anxiety. I worried about the Church, the future, the nation, and my service to the Gospel. I think many people suffered something of this sort; especially because of the social isolation to which we were all subjected. The Lord brought me through by turning me back to His Word, to what was truly important: preaching Christ to sinners, sinners humbled by their experience of disease and its ill effects. I needed to be turned away from myself and set upon Golgotha under the blood-spattered cross. I needed Jesus more and not less in this crisis.
During the last few months of 2020, I was often approached by parishioners as well as guests from other parishes thanking me for preserving Divine Services, but it was simply a matter of keeping first things first. God gives Himself to His people in Word and Sacraments. COVID could not change that. Instead, the Gospel of Christ addresses our fears and promises salvation, so that whether we live or whether we die, we belong to the Lord (Rom. 14:8). Despite my anxiety about the church, the Lord has brought great blessings out of this crisis. My parish is now experiencing growth, which we could not have anticipated in 2019. The health challenges and obvious cultural decline of 2020 had its own blessed way of making clear what is important to us and has driven us back to the gifts of God in Christ
Jesus is especially thinking of the suffering, anxiety, and trial of His disciples when He encourages them on the night of His betrayal. He says, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). He knew the fear that would overtake them when the Shepherd is struck and the flock scattered (Matt. 26:31). While facing the weight of the world’s sins pressed down upon His holy arms at Golgotha, He is concerned for them in their coming tribulation and anxiety.
We too are His disciples, and He speaks to us. Luther says of Jesus’ encouraging speech, “These words were recorded, not for [the apostles’] sakes, but for ours, that we might learn to apply this comfort to both present and future need.” How much we need Jesus’ encouragement in these COVID stressed days! He has not abandoned us. He is not punishing us. Yes, the unbeliever may see the struggles of this past year as a clear statement of God’s righteous wrath against a sin-sick world and a decayed society. However, we Christians should always look upon our experiences from the standpoint of the cross and faith. Luther encourages believers, “Where suffering and the cross are found, there the Gospel can show and exercise its power.” Christ has promised that the suffering Lord would be with us in our suffering, for our good and blessing. He says to us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). This is the Word upon which we should feed, and in it find our life. Luther says, “From these and similar words and admonitions of Christ, we should also learn to know the Lord Christ aright, to develop a more cordial and comforting confidence in Him, and to pay more regard to His Word than to anything else which may confront our eyes, ears, and other senses. For if I am a Christian and hold to Him, I always know that He is talking to me.” When He does, He is saying, “My dear child, do not be afraid. No matter what, I am still your Lord. Let not your hearts be troubled.”
Rev. Scott Murray is the senior pastor of Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston Texas. This article first appeared in the Life of the World Spring of 2021, pg.10-12

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

May 2021 — Page #

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Communal Prayers
For God’s Will to Control Our Will: Give us grace to willingly acknowledge and bear all sickness, poverty, shame, suffering, and misfortune as coming from your divine will to crucify ours. Grant that we may gladly suffer injury, and guard us against seeking revenge. Let us not repay evil with evil, nor oppose force with force. But let us have pleasure in your will which permits these to come upon us, and let us give praise and thanks to you. When something opposes our will, not us not attribute it to the devil or wicked people, but to your will which regulates all things that they might hinder our will and that your kingdom may be blessed. According to your will, help us not to be disobedient through impatience and despair but to leave this life cheerfully and obediently. Help that our eyes, tongue, heart, hands, feet, and bodily organs may not be left to their own inclinations but be held, bound, and controlled by your will. Guard us against our own stubborn, cruel, obstinate, selfish will. Amen.
For Protection of Home and Family: Oh, God, grant that all people—in city and country—be diligent and display charity and loyalty toward each other. Give us favorable weather and good harvest. I commend to you my house and property, wife and children. Grant that I may manage and guide them well, supporting and educating them as a Christian should. Defend us against the Destroyer and all his wicked angels who would do us harm and mischief in this life. Amen.
For a More Charitable Feeling Toward Neighbors: My Lord Jesus Christ, my neighbor has injured me, hurt my honor by talking about me, and interfered with my rights. I cannot tolerate this, and I wish to avoid any contact. O God, hear my complaint. I would gladly feel kindly toward my neighbor, but I cannot. How totally cold and insensible I am. O Lord, I am helpless and forsaken. If you change me, I will be sincere. O dear God, change my by your grace, or I must remain as I am. Amen.
For Orderliness among Rulers: Dear Lord God, guide the hearts of our leaders to you praise and glory, and to the welfare of the land. Enlighten all who are in authority and move them to do what is right. Preserve your people, your judgement, your righteousness, and all administration of justice in this nation and throughout the world. Then good order will prevail. May peace in the world not be troubled by rebellion and treason. May proper discipline and respect not be disregarded or violated by unfaithfulness or other evil. Amen.
For Lasting Peace: Dear God, give us peaceful hearts and a right courage in the confusion and strife against the devil. And so may we not only endure and finally triumph, but also have peace in the midst of the struggle. May we praise you and thank you and not complain or become impatient against your divine will. Let peace win victory in our hearts, that we may never through impatience initiate anything against you, our God, or our neighbors. May we remain quite and peaceable toward God and toward other people, both inwardly and outwardly, until the final and eternal peace shall come. Amen.
Family and friends requesting our prayers: Beatrice Kiesow, Mark Soat, Clare Del Cuze, 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

May 2021 — Page #

Birthdays
Tammy Fellenz
Madelyn Thimmig
Annika Voge
Kurt Meyle Sr.
Harper Tupper
Nicholas Lewandowski
Abigail Wiedmeyer
Susan Awve
Rosa Barret
Carole Oesterreich
Dorothy Miller
Travis Roell
Nicholas Doyle
Shirley Jahn
Donna Sommer
14. Courtney Castro
Jim Guillaume
15. Judy Frank
Patricia Otten
Brianna Schettle
Jamie Sullivan
Judy Clark
Grace Braeger
Gregory Voelzke
Jessica Stange
Don Thill
22. Randy Frank
Katie Jakubowski
Art Kufahl
Diane Melotte
Rebecca Tinlin
Cassidy Schmidt
Nan Broege
Laura Hoffman
28. Taylor Fickenscher
30. Bob Swanson
Anniversaries
Jeremy & Stephanie Baerenwald
Scott & Rose Densow
Andrew & Rebecca Tinlin
Dan & Carol Shay
Rev. John & Lynn Wille
14. Michael & Rebecca Loomans
Daniel & Carol Neuman
Robert & Shirley Mayer
20. Laurie & Tom Lotz
Stephen & Sarah Spalda
22. Kent & Sarah Voll
23. James & Denise Spaeth
25. Dennis & Pat Engmann
Rev. Joseph & Chris Fisher
26. Janet & Jim Schellinger
28. Jacob & Hannah Hand
29. Ron & Kathy Kabitzke

Lutheran Library
As complementary book to Pastor Fisher’s article this month, I offer “Faith in the Shadow of a Pandemic” by John T. Pless and Jacob A. Corzine. It is a short book on topics that have caused much fear and considerable consternation. It helps to provide theological reflection on the questions that face us and have divided us as a country and a congregation.
Bear in mind this book is not a crystal ball that will divine all the answers that you seek so as to remove the struggle with your neighbor over how to move forward and live your life in a world contaminated by the reality and fears of Covid. As Pless writes at the outset, “We offer no sentimental solutions for Christians struggling with life under the cross in this pandemic. What we do have to offer are the sure and certain promises of God in Christ Jesus that comfort and sustain believers as they are tutored in vocation” (pg.9-10).
With various chapters entitled, “Christ Is For You, Christ Is with You,” “Your Neighbor in Need Is Christ to You, “Luther’s Response to the Plague,” “Bearing the Burden of Masks and Social Distancing,” “The Lord’s Supper and Covid-19,” “Death in the Pandemic,” and “On Truth and Being Guided by Science” this proves to be a worthwhile read to facilitate our walk together as the people of God among this ongoing pandemic and the fears that it has caused amongst us.
As Brian Wolfmueller writes of the book, “Christians see the world through the eyes of Jesus. We have a different, eternal, perspective, even on the news and daily events...How should we understand the crisis biblically and theologically? These chapters are rich in reflection and ripe for application . This is a welcome volume to help lift the Church from fear and frenzy to a confidence that Jesus is the ascended Lord who still rules and reigns all things for the sake of His beloved Church.”

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

May 2021						1 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study / 9a Spring Clean up
2 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Enduring Faith / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30 p. Bible Class	3 / 6:30p Board of Elders Meeting	4	5 / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class:	6 / 7p Divine Service	7 / Office Closed	8
9 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Enduring Faith / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30 p. Bible Class	10 / 5:30p Board of Trustees Meeting / 7p Church Council Meeting	11 / 12p LWML / Ladies Guild Meeting	12 / 9a Quilters / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class:	13 / 7p Divine Service	14 / Office Closed	15 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study / 9a. Spring Clean up Rain Day
16 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Enduring Faith / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30 p. Bible Class	17	18	19 / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class:	20 / 7p Divine Service	21 / Office Closed	22
23 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: / 9:30a Adult Class: 30 / 10:30a Divine 8a Divine Service Service / 12:30p 9:30a Adult Class / B.C. / 10:30a Divine Service / 12:30 p. Bible Class	24 / 31 / Memorial / Day / Office Closed	25	26 / 9a Quilters / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class:	27 / 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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You see the counter to fear is not worry, guilt or works but is faith, hope, and love. Jesus tells us as He told His disciples “Fear not.” We are of much more value than many sparrows.

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Inside this Issue:
Pilgrim News & Reports
3-6
Lutheran Missions
7
From the Fort
8
Communal Prayers
11
Birthdays & Anniversaries
12
Calendar
13
Lutheran Library
12

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