Author: Julie Raffa

July 2022

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

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30

God’s Eternal Election also known as the doctrine of Predestination
This doctrine affords glorious consolation under the cross and amid temptations, namely, that God in His counsel, before the time of the world, determined and decreed that He would assist us in all distresses, grant patience, give consolation, excite hope, and produce such an outcome as would contribute to our salvation. (Formula of Concord, Thorough Declaration, “Of God’s Eternal Election,” XI 48.)
This is the claim set forth by the founders of the Lutheran church since 1577 concerning the biblical doctrine of predestination. Other Christians, and at times some dissenting Lutherans, have not approached the subject of predestination with the same sense of consolation. In fact, many Christians would rather avoid the subject completely.
Traditional Lutherans like to say that the doctrine of predestination is a final examination for a theologian, testing his general commitment to Christian doctrine. The questions in this final exam would read something like the following:
Isn’t it arrogant or presumptuous to claim that God has chosen you? Can anyone ever really be sure? Should a person accept everything taught by Scripture about this subject simply because it is taught there? Can this Lutheran doctrine be proved from Scripture Isn’t predestination a form of fatalism? Do Lutherans agree with the teaching that God has predestinated some to eternal life and therefore must have predestinated the rest to damnation? Does predestination ignore human responsibility for repenting and believing in Christ? Did God choose people to salvation because of what He
foresaw they would do Did God choose people on the basis of the faith He foreknew they would have?
As you can see these can be perplexing questions if not dealt clearly and in good order. Which is what the Formula of Concord does, in the Epitome and the Solid Declaration.
“1. To begin with, the distinction between God’s foreknowledge and His eternal predestination ought to be kept accurately.
3 2. God’s foreknowledge is nothing else than this: God knows all things before they happen, as it is written in Daniel 2:28, “But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.”
4 3. This foreknowledge extends over the godly and the wicked alike. But it is not the cause of evil or of sin. In other words, it is not what causes people to do wrong (which originally arises from the devil and mankind’s wicked, perverse will). Nor does it cause their ruin, for which they themselves are responsible. But foreknowledge
foreknowledge only regulates this and fixes a limit on their ruin, ‹how far it should progress and› how long it should last. All this happens to serve His elect for their salvation, even though such ruin is evil in itself.
5 4. Predestination, or God’s eternal election, covers only the godly, beloved children of God. It is a cause of their salvation, which He also provides. He plans what belongs to it as well. Our salvation is founded so firmly on it that the gates of hell cannot overcome it (John 10:28; Matthew 16:18).
6 5. It is not to be investigated in God’s secret counsel. It is to be sought in God’s Word, where it is revealed.
7 6. God’s Word leads us to Christ, who is the Book of Life, in whom all are written and elected who are to be saved in eternity. For it is written in Ephesians 1:4, “Even as He chose us in Him [Christ] before the foundation
of the world.”
8 7. Christ calls all sinners to Himself and promises them rest. He is eager ‹seriously wills› that all people should come to Him and allow themselves to be helped. He offers them Himself in His Word and wants them to hear it and not to plug their ears or ‹neglect and› despise the Word. Furthermore, He promises the power and working of the Holy Spirit and divine assistance for perseverance and eternal salvation ‹so that we may remain steadfast in the faith and gain eternal salvation›.
9 8. We should not reach conclusions about our election to eternal life based on reason or God’s Law. That would lead us either into a reckless, loose, Epicurean life or into despair. It would stir up destructive thoughts in people’s hearts. For they cannot, as long as they follow their reason, successfully keep themselves from thinking, “If God has elected me to salvation, I cannot be condemned, no matter what I do.” And again, “If I am not elected to eternal life, it doesn’t matter what good I do; it is all in vain anyway.”
10 9. ‹The true judgment about predestination› must be learned alone from the Holy Gospel about Christ, in which it is clearly testified, “For God has consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all [Romans 11:32]; not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” [2 Peter 3:9], and believe in the Lord Christ. (See also Ezekiel 18:23; 33:11, 18; 1 John 2:2.)
11 10. Now, let whoever is concerned about God’s revealed will act on the order that St. Paul has described in the Epistle to the Romans. Paul first directs people to repentance [Romans 1–2], to knowledge of sins [Romans 3:1–20], to faith in Christ [Romans 3:21–5:21], to divine obedience [Romans 6–8]. Then he speaks of the mystery of God’s eternal election [Romans 9–11]. This doctrine is useful and consolatory to the person who proceeds in this way.
12 11. However, “many are called, but few are chosen” [Matthew 22:14]. This does not mean that God is unwilling to save everybody. But the reason some are not saved is as follows: They do not listen to God’s Word at all, but willfully despise it, plug their ears, and harden their hearts. In this way they block the ordinary way [Luke 16:29–31] for the Holy Spirit so He cannot perform His work in them. Or, when they have heard God’s Word, they make light of it again and ignore it. But their wickedness is responsible for this ‹that they perish›, not God or His election (2 Peter 2:1–3; Luke 11:49–52; Hebrews 12:25–26).
13 12. A Christian should concern himself ‹in meditation› with the article about God’s eternal election only as far as it has been revealed in God’s Word. His Word presents Christ to us as the Book of Life, which He opens and reveals to us by the preaching of the Holy Gospel, as it is written in Romans 8:30, “And those whom He predestined He also called.” In Him we are to seek the eternal election of the Father, who has determined in His eternal divine counsel [Ephesians 1:11–12] that He would save no one except those who know His Son Christ and truly believe in Him. Other thoughts are to be ‹entirely› banished ‹from the minds of the godly›. For they do not come from God, but from the suggestion of the evil foe. With such thoughts he attempts to weaken or entirely remove us from the glorious comfort we have in this helpful doctrine. In other words, we know ‹assuredly› that out of pure grace, without any merit of our own, we have been elected in Christ to eternal life. No one can pluck us out of His hand [John 10:29]. He has not only promised this gracious election with mere words, but has also certified it with an oath and sealed it with the holy Sacraments. We can ‹ought to› call these to mind in our most severe temptations and take comfort in them, and with them we can quench the fiery darts of the devil [Ephesians 6:16].
14 13. Besides, we should act with the greatest diligence, to live according to God’s will. As St. Peter encourages in 2 Peter 1:10, “make your calling and election sure.” We should especially cling to ‹not recede a hair’s width from› the revealed Word, which cannot and will not fail us.
15 14. By this brief explanation of God’s eternal election, glory is entirely and fully given to God. Out of pure mercy alone, without any of our merit, He saves us according to the purpose of His will. …”
I pray this is a helpful explanation for you and those you might speak with.
God Bless,
Pastor Fisher
Hebrews 12:1-2

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Pilgrim News
Pictorial Directory - We are scheduled to have pictures taken for the new Pilgrim Pictorial Directory, September 6th – 10th. Save the Date to have your portrait taken for the directory.
We are also looking for a volunteer to be the coordinator for the directory, duties include being the contact for the photographers, scheduling appointments.
Please contact one of the Pastors if you are willing to help out
Attention Elders & Ushers, There will be an Elders Ushers meeting on Saturday, July 23 at 9:00 a.m.
Please mark your calendars..
Come Join Us. Austin Meier will be Ordained and Installed on Sunday, July 10, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 3234 Mishicot Rd. Two Rivers, WI 54241.
Congratulations and best wishes to the Meier Family.
Are you looking for something to do??
The Church is looking for someone to do the trimming and weed whacking on the church property. The time required is roughly 3.5 - 4 hours once a month. Please contact the church office if you would be willing to help out.
It was mentioned at the June Voter’s meeting as well as last months Herald.
A Proposed Hospitality Committee---In an effort to reduce the confusion and have better organization when carrying out church events, we are considering the idea of a hospitality committee. The committee would be made of persons who desire to organize, seek out volunteers, and be the point people for various fellowship events in the church, (i.e. church picnics, Lenten meals, Easter Breakfast, and other celebratory occasions). Meetings would be limited to the necessary planning and coordinating of such events. If you are interested or willing to serve on something like this, please contact the office or talk to one of the pastors.
Please take this into consideration, it would be a good committee to have on hand to work on projects, picnics and other celebrations .

Sunday, July 24 at the 9:30 am Bible Study hour, there will be a Special Voters Meeting to discuss the proposed Liturgical Banner purchase.
Are you interested in the History of Pilgrim?
Pastor Raffa is looking for someone to help him sort through items relating to the history of Pilgrim. If you are interested to help out and learn more about Pilgrim, please contact Pastor Raffa.

July 2022 — Page #

Board of elders report Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church
Board of Elders Meeting Minutes June 6, 2022
Attendees: Pastor Fisher, Tanner, Gary, Dave, Dennis, Ron, Dan, Kurt, Patrick
The meeting began at 6:30 PM with song and devotion led by Pastor Fisher.
Elder schedules were made for July through September 4..
The next elders meeting will be September 6. There will be no elders meeting in July and August unless needed.
We reviewed the questions from Chapter 12, “Sinner and Saint at The Same Time” in Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity.
We will review chapters 13 and 14 in Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity at the September elders meeting.
We will review chapter 15 in Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity at the October elders meeting.
Pastor Fisher reported that Pastor Raffa was sick and had a fever and asked that we keep him in our prayers.
Pastor Fisher reported that Eric Hauser has been released from our membership.
We had our roundtable where everyone had a chance to give updates.
Pastor Fisher reported he will be on leave from June 15 - 23.
Pastor Fisher reported that Austin Meyer’s will be ordained and installed July 10 at 4:00 PM in Two Rivers.
Both Pastor Fisher and Pastor Raffa will be there.
Pastor Fisher reported that Pastor Anderson will be installed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Port Wash -ington June 26 at 3:00 PM Sunday. Pastor Fisher will be there.
Pastor Fisher discussed having an elder/usher Saturday meeting in the fall. We decided to have it earlier, Saturday July 23 at 9:00AM.
Kurt will run the Church Council meeting on June 13.
Tanner will run the voter’s meeting on June 26.
We discussed having the Thursday 7:00 PM service earlier, possibly at 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM, or leaving it at 7:00PM for the Thursday Divine Service. We would still have the 1:00 PM service during Advent and Lent. This will be discussed at the Church Council meeting.
The meeting ended with prayer at 8:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Gary Jenovai

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Church council Report Church Council June 13, 2022 Minutes
The Pilgrim Church Council June 13, 2022 meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President, Bob Knuth. Also in attendance were Pastor Raffa, Kurt Meyle, Rob Selzler, Jacob Hand, Nancy Rosenthal, Mary Lehtimaki, Karen Spiering, and Jim Behrens.
Pastor Raffa began the meeting by leading a devotion, prayer, and hymn.
Minutes of the May 9 meeting as published in the Herald were accepted by common consent.
Elders Report – Kurt Meyle
Elders are studying the book, Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity.
Pastor Fisher will be away at Two Rivers WI, attending the ordination of his son-in-law, Austin Meyer July 10.
Meeting planned for Saturday, July 23 at 9:00 a.m. with ushers to go over ushering procedures.
Discussion about possibly changing the time of the Thursday evening service from 7 p.m. to perhaps 6:00 or 6:30 p.m. Members will be surveyed before any decision on changing the time is made.
Trustees Report – Rob Selzler
Work on the roof has been completed.
A problem with the church office air conditioner was resolved by resetting the circuit breaker.
Cleanup Day went well, the work of those who helped is appreciated. Could have used more people to help.
Pastor Raffa and other members got rid of old, unused church electronic equipment at the West Bend recycling event on June 11.
Treasurers Report – Jacob Hand
Financial report year-to-date April 30 was presented and discussed and a motion to accept it, subject to audit, was made by Jim, seconded by Karen, and passed on voice vote.
Pastor Raffa’s Report
Thanks to Pastor Fisher for conducting services for him during his recent illness.
Austin Meier will be ordained and installed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Two Rivers WI on July 10.
Pastor Anderson will be installed at St. Johns in Port Washington WI on June 26.
Has started working on the Sunday School curriculum for this coming fall.
Spending time organizing historic Pilgrim information that is stored in the basement.
Nancy Rosenthal
Has had a request that the agenda for the Voters’ Assembly be made available prior to the meeting.
New Business
Nancy made a motion, seconded by Karen, that the following statement should be added to Article III, Duties of Officers, Boards, and Church Council of the Pilgrim Constitution, under D. Church Council: 6. “Disbursements of undesignated donations of $10,000 or more must be approved by the Voters’ Assembly.” The motion passed on voice vote. This suggested addition will be discussed and voted on at the upcoming June 26 Voters’ Assembly.
Discussion was held on the potential for having a hospitality committee or an individual who may enjoy planning meals and events so these events could be better organized. Interested individuals should contact Pastor Raffa. This will be discussed at the June Voters’ Meeting.
The next Voters’ Assembly will be Sunday, June 26 at 12 noon. All members, age 18 and over, are encouraged to attend.
A motion was made by Jacob and passed without objection to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting closed with a prayer by Pastor Raffa.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Behrens

July 2022 — Page #

Membership report
Baptized: None
Deaths:
John McKay June 6, 2022
Transferred In: None
Transferred Out: None
Released from Membership:
Eric Heuser 6-7-2022
Michael & Linda Mejchar June 23, 2022

Designated Funds - Savings Account
General Fund Savings $36,235
Roofing Fund $8,301
Flooring Fund $2,725
Total $47,261
Approved Vendor/Payee Church Council Meeting Date
WE Energies November 8, 2021
GFL Environmental November 8, 2021
Concordia Plan Services November 8, 2021
Brotherhood Mutual November 8, 2021
Quill, LLC December 13, 2021
West Bend Water Utility December 13, 2021
Promissory Note February 14, 2022
Conley Media February 14, 2022
Concordia Publishing House February 14, 2022
Great America Financial Services February 14, 2022
South Wisconsin District - LCMS March 14, 2022
Payroll March 14, 2022

month volunteer schedule
Sunday, July 3: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Office
Altar Guild: Laurie L. / Nancy R.
Elder: Ron K. / Dan S.
Usher Team: 1 / 8
Acolyte: Matthias R. / Josiah R.
Thursday, July 7: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder: Patrick S.
Usher Team: A
Sunday, July 10: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Julie R.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Julie R.
Elder: Tanner S. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 3 / 2
Acolyte: Rachel R. / Violet S.
Thursday, July 14: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Karen S.
Elder: Kurt M.
Usher Team: B
Sunday, July 17: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Office
Altar Guild: Norma B. / Carolyn M.
Elder: Ron K. / Dave F.
Usher Team: 1 / 4
Acolyte: Clayton K. / Wade J.
Thursday, July 21: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ruth K.
Elder: Dan S.
Usher Team: A
Sunday, July 24: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Kathryn P.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Rita F.
Elder: Dennis E. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 3 / 8
Acolyte: Matthias R. / Josiah R.
Thursday, July 28: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder: Dave F.
Usher Team: B
Sunday, July 31: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Julie R.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Rita F.
Elder: Kurt M. / Dan S.
Usher Team: 1 / 2
Acolyte: Rachel R. / Violet S.

Pilgrim Herald— Page #

This is Tanner Schmidt’s Homily, that Tanner was gracious enough to share with us, when both Pastor Fisher and Pastor Raffa were unable to be with us on Thursday, April 28.
May the Words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in your sight O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my lambs.”
Friends in Christ,
If you remember Pr. Fisher’s sermon from last week, that will be very helpful for understanding tonight’s text. For those who don’t have that ready just off the top of your head, we heard Jesus appear to his disciples minus Thomas, and then a second time to the eleven, including an accurately, though perhaps unkindly labeled “doubting” Thomas. I can’t claim that I would perform any better in the circumstances, but then I too am a poor miserable sinner. That is, after all, the entire point of Christ’s death and resurrection - for sinners like Thomas and me! That’s also why John wrote his account of the Gospel: “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” You can think of that as being the unofficial end to John’s Gospel; the last words of the last chapter of a book, essentially. But after the last chapter in this story comes the epilogue, and some of our characters get their last moments in the spotlight while the future is left to a later Revelation.
That epilogue is today’s text. All that need be said has been said, but John has one last scene to share with us; one last masterful stroke of his pen to put the bow on top of this beautifully wrapped present. There are lots of stories of Jesus that John could have shared here; he says as much just after all this - all the world wouldn’t have room for the books that could be written of Jesus. Paul mentions several other appearances of the risen Christ that the Holy Spirit didn’t share through the Evangelists, too. The last story John shares is a Wisconsinite favorite: it’s a fishing story, and the meal is provided. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Do you ever hear people say, directly or indirectly, that college educated people are smart, and that others aren’t? The next time the bartender with the purple hair and the underwater basket-weaving degree lets that one slip, rather than escalating, think of St. John, through whom the Holy Spirit penned the most profound book ever written. He was a fisherman, remember, but that doesn’t stop him from choosing a story that so fittingly brings us from the days of Jesus walking the Earth to the days of the Church. For, as Jesus says, the time had come for the apostles to feed his sheep.
So one night, seven disciples decide to go fishing. We have Peter, James and John (the usual suspects!), Thomas (remember, our friend the doubter from last week), Nathanael (whom the Lord called a true Israelite in the first chapter of John, twenty chapters and three years prior), and two other nameless disciples. Who? No idea. Our friends head out on the sea of Tiberias (otherwise known as the Sea of Galilee, by the way), and after a hard night’s work catch precisely nothing. That comforts me, not because it’s the Gospel, but because that’s about how well I think I would do fishing. In any case, early in the morning Jesus shows up on the shore, but they didn’t recognize him yet. Then, it seems as though he pokes fun at them a little, and says: “Hey kids, you don’t have any fish, do you?” Well, no, they don’t. Our Lord continues: “Throw your nets on the right side of the boat, and you’ll find some!” You see, the funny thing here is that the word “right” - 𝛿εξɩός, where we get “ambidextrous”, double “handed”, means exactly the same in Greek as it does English - both right, in terms of being not “left”, but also being correct, virtuous, noble, and so on. So it seems that our Lord just cracked a pun.
On hearing this, the disciples again cast their nets, but this time catch an immense amount of fish; so much so that it might well be a miracle that the nets didn’t break! Peter realizes that Jesus is there with them, and in classic “Peter” fashion jumps right into the lake to swim to Him. He did the same thing on Easter too, remember? He ran right past John into the empty tomb; here he leaves John to deal with the fish instead. But, the other disciples weren't far behind; they were only a football field- 100 yards- or so offshore. And what do they find? Jesus is cooking! He tells them to bring some of the fish they’d just caught - notice, the fish he had just provided - and they feast happily.
Why 153 fish? Smarter people than I have wasted time and ink thinking things up here. John was a fisherman, so attention to this simple historical detail really isn’t surprising. (Though Dr. German has some very interesting thoughts on this - you can hear more on that in the Resurrection study on the church’s Youtube page!) But there’s another detail here that is easy to miss, which is why we want to remember Pastor’s sermon last week, where we heard of Christ’s faithfulness to Thomas. Then there was doubt, but now? “None of the disciples dared to question him, ‘who are you?’; they knew it was the Lord”. That’s the faith that Thomas would gladly be martyred for!
And then, as is His custom, Jesus takes bread and gives it to them. It’s not the Lord’s Supper, but you see that theme building, here. He also takes some of the fish, gives it to them as well, and they eat. That should also sound familiar - Jesus fed five thousand men earlier in John’s Gospel with bread and - that’s right - fish. But this idea of the risen Christ eating is important for a few reasons - for one, He eats that the disciples may know that he is no ghost, no illusion, but true flesh and true blood. We saw the same thing when Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter earlier in this Gospel. We’re not interested in spiritual mysticism, here - only flesh and blood will do! But more on that soon.
After breakfast was over, Jesus has a chance to talk with Peter, who may have still been feeling guilty over his threefold denial just a week or two before this. Whether he was or not, Jesus was not to be deterred by this sin, and He reinstates him. “Do you selflessly love me - do you ‘᾿αγάπη’ me?” Christ asks. “Yes Lord, you know that I’m fond of you - I ‘φίλος’ you.”, Peter responds. “Feed my lambs,” says the Lord. And so again. A third time, Christ asks Peter if he’s friends with Him, if he “φίλο-”s Him, which cuts Peter with his own words. To this, Jesus says, a third time - the third “call”, if you will, to reverse his denials - “feed my sheep”.
Jesus hints just what this feeding will net Peter on this side of eternity - being stretched out and led to where he does not want to go - to his own crucifixion about thirty years later. In spite of that, he ends His thought with a final “Follow me!”
Now at first glance, that can seem to be the core of this little fish-story epilogue. “If you’re a Christian, you’d sure better follow Jesus, whatever that means.” But that’s what you’d get if you read this passage through the lens of the Law - “do this, do this,” and so on. May God repent all of us of this pathological need of ours to make ourselves gods and saviors - Indeed, that is idolatry! To the contrary, reading Christ’s Words here as Law misses the point entirely, which is tragic because the point is all gospel, and it’s all for you.
Why is this the note that John, more or less, ends his Gospel on? Remember, this is his epilogue - he’s turning the page from Jesus’ earthly ministry to the age of the Church. And what does Christ do to spark the Church? He gives the Holy Spirit, certainly, but how? And what on Earth does this have to do with Peter and the apostles feeding sheep? Friends in Christ, these answer each other. You see, for Peter and the apostles to feed Christ’s sheep is to follow His lead - namely, to do as Christ does and feed the Church! Jesus fed the crowds bread and fish in mercy, and shortly afterward explained to the disciples that He is the bread of life; He explained the mystery even further when He gave his Body and Blood on His altar of choice, his cross - And here the disciples at last understand. Christ’s lambs - the Church, in other words - is fed by the bread of life that they distribute in their office of pastor. The disciples finally understand that Jesus is true food and that his blood is true drink; man does not live by bread alone, but by the Word of God - the spoken and incarnate Word!
So friends in Christ, rejoice that Our Lord’s undershepherds feed his sheep! Take comfort for this life and the next in your Baptism, where you received the living water that drowns your old Adam in Christ’s tomb even as it bubbles up into new life in you! Desire nothing in this life more than His blessed Sacraments where you are fed and given drink, not just to make glad your heart but to give true joy to your soul! Treasure up in your heart the Word of God, so simple yet so deep! And take heart, and take comfort from the faithful pastors who follow Christ by feeding His sheep. Or have you not heard? Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! My fellow sheep, how well are we fed! In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Now may the peace of God which passes all understanding keep our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Pilgrim Herald— Page #

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

Giving Opportunities At Pilgrim

July 2022 — Page #

Pilgrim Lutheran Church Voters Meeting
June 26, 2022
President Bob Knuth called the Voters meeting to order at 12:05 pm June 26, 2022. Pastor Fisher opened with noon prayer and hymn, “Let Us ever Walk With Jesus”.
Roll Call attendance 29
Secretary Minutes from January 30, 2022 printed, in the herald, motion to pass, seconded it all accepted.
NO NEW VOTERS TO SIGN CONSTITUTION.
REPORTS ELDERS Tanner Schmidt
The church is looking for comments from Thursday night service attendees, to see if moving the 7 o’clock service to 6 or 6:30 would work better for most people attending. This is just a question to find out your comments.
In September the Church will be having a new directory made which means we need you pictures to be taken for it, free sign up to have this done, they will probably try to sell you a picture for yourselves, you do not have to buy it, but if you wish to, you can. Just sat no thank you if you are not interested in any extras for yourselves. But please remember to sign up to have your picture taken for the new church directory.
Installation of Pastor Anderson in Port Washington this afternoon and installation and ordination of Austin Meier on July 10.
TRUSTEES REPORT Paul Grosskreuz [reporting for Rob Selzler]
Roof is complete!
Thank you all who helped on cleanup day and disposal of electronics at church.
Some work on the church grounds need to be addressed, such as lawn repair, topsoil grading, and drainage sloping will be completed when time and weather permits. Looking for someone willing to do the trimming of the lawn [weed whacking]. Dan can handle the mowing but the weed whacking is getting to much for one guy.
New vacuum cleaner for janitor old ones no good.
New water heater, old church basement, old one rusted through.
Fixed some leaky pipes, air conditioner power surge in office areas. And of course, yes the water fountain will be installed. Also new emergency shut off were replaced on all toilets and sinks in that section of the building because they were corroded tight. Also the water has been disconnected to the library where the old kitchenette used to be years ago, so we no longer have to worry about frozen pipes in there.
TREASURERS REPORT Jacob Hand
Audit committee consisted of 4 people Dave Boehlke, Dave Fellenz, Dick Spiering and Jim Behrens. In herald page 9. Income and expenses attached. Motion was made to accept the report by Tanner Schmidt and Ron Kabitzke seconded it, all accepted.
PASTOR’S REPORT Pastor Fisher
Doing shut in services at Jackson Crossing. Thank you for weeks vacation and keep his parents in your prayers.
District convention went well and all the important things passed.
Dave Boehlke was a delegate. Ushers and elders meeting July 23 to get everything on the same page and maybe reorganize some of the teams.
PASTOR RAFFA reports that the district convention went well. Shut in visits continue.
Downstairs of church has some materials on the history of the church and Pastor Raffa is looking for someone to go through and organize this history with him.
Am looking at purchasing all seasons matching banners. This cost is about $2200 which includes 14 church season banners, 2 of which we will not use, blue and pink. So they were going to quote us for only 12. which would be less than 2200. This cost would be covered by the endowment fund.
BOARD OF EDUCATION Pastor Raffa
Small number of children are coming to Sunday school. It holds its own between 10—17 kids.
Bible class continues and Catechism will pick up again in fall.
ENDOWMENT Ron Kabitzke
Endowment fund requests this year are $1000 Horizon, $2200 seasonal banners for church, $3350 for Student tuition at CUW and a $2000 request for another student tuition. The amount to $8550.
Handout, a summary of the funds in the Endowment Fund. Attached.
Phil Gohr made motion to accept Endowment Report, Cave Boehlke seconded it. All accept.
Tanner Schmidt made a motion to accept requested disbursement funds and Judy Frank seconded it. All accept.
CONCORDIA Ron Kabitzke
There are few students now, but Ann Arbor and Concordia seem like they are making their way back. Back in control.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Audits are done, all good.
Dorothy Millers estate gave 16 funeral plots to our Church worth $6500 each, located at Wisconsin Memorial Park. We will also in the future receive 20% of her estate.
CONSTITUTION Jim Behrens
2017 was our lasted updated constitution. Should be updated again. Before we do that we need to look at a few things might need to be talked about. Like the Equality Act Upgrade amendment, article 6 gender words and if a $10,00 about or larger has to go through the Voters assembly for approval on its usage.
NEW BUSINESS
The hospitality committee has been a suggestion to help planning events in the church. This committee would be to organize and get help to make events, parties, celebrations at church happen. Not to do all the work but figure out and organize. Talk to Pastor Raffa if interested.
Also a card will be going around for Pastor’s son in law Austin Meier, in Bible Class [for his installation and ordination].
SYNOD CONVENTION NOMINEES FOR 2023
This coming year our Synod Convention is in Milwaukee, July 29 - August 3. Start thinking about nominees for the convention, deadline at the end of October.
Tanner Schmidt motioned to adjourn the meeting and Judy Frank seconded it. Adjourned singing,
THE DOXOLOGY!
Sincerely submitted by,
Nancy Rosenthal
Nancy Rosenthal, secretary voters meeting

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July 2022 — Page #

LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison addresses SCOTUS decision

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
Today is a monumental day, a day on which we simultaneously rejoice, pray, give thanks, lament, repent and weep. The Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade and returned the responsibility for protecting life to the states. “Held: The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; Roe and Casey are overruled; and the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives” (SCOTUS, Dobbs v. Jackson, 1).
“[The Lord] has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate” (Luke 1:52).
Today is also the Church’s feast day, the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. These two events are a happy convergence.
Today we celebrate the birth of the one who, before he was born, leaped in joyful Spirit-inspired confession when his mother met the mother of his unborn Lord. Today we take comfort in our Lord’s unborn forerunner and in the unborn Savior. We also rejoice at the resounding victory for life in the United States. Many of us long doubted it would ever come. The Lord has had mercy upon us, even us, sinners all, even in these times.
Today we continue to speak out against the evil of abortion, which many will continue to practice and advocate in states bent on death. Many who have been misled by the father of lies and the culture of death greet this day with weeping and gnashing of teeth. Today we continue to sing that the Lord “has visited and redeemed his people” (Luke 1:68).
Today we pray for unborn children who remain unprotected in many states. Today, in many places, the abortion industry continues to kill unborn children and welcomes those from states where such killing is illegal. Today we take comfort that by the Lord’s hand “we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us” (Luke 1:71).
Today we repent of our own lack of love for the least, the last and the lost, for mothers in need and families facing crises. Today we celebrate God’s gift of the one He sent to “go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins” (Luke 1:76–77).
Today we recommit to love all, unborn and born. Today we receive the sunrise from on high, “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death” (Luke 1:79).
Today we proclaim: Repent and believe the Good News that Jesus Christ, conceived by the Spirit, formed in the womb and born of the virgin Mary, died and rose for sinners. That includes all of us. Today we give thanks for John who preached repentance and pointed to the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
Today we lovingly invite all to listen to Jesus’ call, “repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). If you have caused an abortion, the taking of life, there is forgiveness in Jesus! Don’t be hardened in sin or advocate for more sins. Today you have hope in the One whose way John the Baptist prepared. Jesus is for sinners. Come join the rest of us forgiven sinners! Jesus is for you! You need not have a bad conscience! Repent and believe the Good News of God’s love for you in Jesus.
Today we lament that the U.S. Supreme Court continues to deny the unborn the legally recognized right to life. Even though Roe v. Wade has fallen, states can still allow the killing of unborn children. Today we pray that more unborn will leap for joy in the womb, as St. John did.
Today, even as we rejoice, we weep that U.S. policy continues to promote abortion globally. Today we bend our knees in prayer.
O Lord, “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). The Lord preceded His Son, our Savior, with a forerunner. We pray that today’s decision points ahead to the day when every state advances the cause of life and expands protections for unborn children.
Lord have mercy upon us.
Matthew C. Harrison President The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
You can read more at:
lcms.org under The Reporter tab there is a joint letter to The Attorney General from President Harrison and the Presidents of the WELS and The ELS, and a statement form the LCMS Life Ministry on the Dobbs v. Jackson Ruling.

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Lutheran missions The Preus Family in Eurasia
Spring 2022 Newsletter
The Preus Family at Trinity Lutheran Church Denver CO.
the day before they leave for Romania.
Mission work updates
Wyoming: This winter, David began work with the Riga Luther Academy (Brasov office), shadowing classes and teaching a couple of modules on pastoral theology. As his schedule and weather permitted, he also visited with some pastors and congregations in Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, and North Dakota between the months of January and March.
Romania: David has been setting up his home office here in Brasov and working with Pastor Sorin Trifa to find a permanent location for our church sanctuary. He is also assisting with pastoral duties and holding services at our church twice per week. Currently, we are renting worship space from a church and holding services in the afternoon in order to work around the other church's schedule. For our growing congregation of 25 and counting, securing a permanent and practical location for our Ukrainian refugees is a necessary next step. Our goal is to purchase a pension that would double as a place for housing families and a space for building a sanctuary and conference center for visitors. However, as we are still waiting for the right option, we are renting a house for the Ukrainians about 20 minutes from town, and worship continues at the rented facility here in town.
Riga, Latvia: Less than a week after arriving in Romania, David traveled to Riga, Latvia to attend a class intensive for the Riga Luther Academy, where he will begin teaching this fall online from his office in Brasov. He was able to meet many of his colleagues with whom he will be working.
Santiago, Dominican Republic: David traveled to the Dominican Republic, where he delivered a paper and a hymn study at the annual symposium at Concordia Seminary, the Reformer, in Palmar Arriba. This year's symposia were dedicated to celebrating the long-awaited publication of the new Spanish hymnal, "Himnario Luterano." He also attended the graduation of two of his former students and had the pleasure of addressing them during the ceremony. What a blessing the new hymnal will be to Spanish-speaking Lutherans around the world! Congratulations to Rafael Flores and Jeancarlos Ramirez for successfully completing their bachelor of divinity!
At the end of May, upon returning to Romania, David and Pastor Trifa met with visitors from LCMS-OIM (business administration division) to discuss needs and plans for securing a building for our new mission plant. He will also begin preparing courses for the fall, as well as a series of presentations on the topic of "Fear Not!" for the Corpus Christi youth conference, where he will be the plenary speaker this July in Gothenburg, Sweden.

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Reflections from home, by Jenny
At the end of December, we drove to the airport in Santiago for an early morning departure flight with the help of our regional director and business managers who helped us with our transportation and luggage. When we arrived in Denver we were welcomed at the receiving gate with a Uhaul driven by Pastor Sherril of Trinity Lutheran in Denver. The picture at the top of our newsletter was taken in the sanctuary at Trinity, Denver on the day before we flew to Romania. This church helped us immensely by receiving us and providing a bounty of warm clothes in various sizes to help us adapt from the Caribbean warmth and sun to Wyoming's (and Romania's) cold and snow. We are continually reminded of God's provision for us through fellow Christians.
Throughout January and February, we lived with relatives in Wyoming and began working on the visa paperwork for Romania. During this transition and even now after our arrival, we have been in communication with an immigration lawyer who is helping us with the residency process. The process is going smoothly but slower than expected on account of delays with getting an appointment at the office in Brasov, but we have just received confirmation that will have our final two meetings with the lawyer, accountants, and notaries this week. Praise God!
Concerning our travel here, we flew from Denver to Romania at the end of March, eager to arrive at our new church in time for Easter. Our flight was a long one, taking us through Doha, Qatar, and several layovers before arriving in Bucharest. With the time change into Eastern European time, it took us at least a week to adjust our internal time clocks.
Our new house is furnished with beds and most furniture which has made the adjustment easier. We have needed to purchase bedding, towels, lawn care tools, and various kitchen supplies. David's theological books arrived which completed his office set-up, so we were very thankful that that shipment went smoothly without any hiccups through customs.
Since arriving we have been settling into our home and finding our way around the city. We walk or Uber to most places since we haven't gotten a car yet. We're very proud of how the older kids have managed their school responsibilities during the upheaval of an international move during this entire academic year, and they in turn are relieved to have recently finished their online classes for the year. We will continue with part-time homeschool through July in order to catch up on some of what was missed during the winter transition and travels.
Over the past months, we have been getting to know the city of Brasov and are learning how to shop and navigate life here. Jenny, Rebekah, and Lena will be starting to teach English classes for the Ukrainian refugees this week. We also recently had some visitors from the LCMS OIM team who were here to help with the decision of purchasing a building for our church, which will also serve to temporarily house refugees and will provide much-needed classroom and conference space.
The kids have also begun studying the Romanian language using an online learning method. We are researching classes for them to take in person with students from Transylvania University in the fall. While David has been busy with many time-sensitive projects, the kids and I have been able to put our tourist hats on a few times and take some excursions, as seen in some of the pictures below. It has been fascinating to read about Romanian history and to see some of these historical places with our own eyes. Through the photo gallery below, you'll see a collection of mostly chronological pictures from our time in Wyoming, our trip to Romania, and then the first couple of months we've been living here. There are also some pictures from David's return to the Dominican Republic which are included at the end.
In March, I made Venezuelan arepas for our Wyoming family as a final meal before we left

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All very tired after a sleepless night, View of Middle East from
Walking through security near Layover at NYC airplane window
midnight at the Denver airport,
David leading the way, and me at
the tail end encouraging the young
Ones to keep up.
Walking to Church Building A group of Americans, Romanians and Ukrainians after
we are renting is about 1.5km Easter service. The baby was just baptized at the Easter Service
from our House God be Praised .
More pictures are available on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

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Communal Prayers
For the nation: Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people. Support us in defending our liberties, and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. Wen times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For our Rulers: O heavenly Father, give us at all times pious and God-fearing rulers and governors. Make them to support the people unto the saving of the soul. Make them to govern with a good conscience, and finally, to render account to You, their God and Supreme Lord, in the day when You shall call them to Yourself. Bless the hearts of those in authority over us, O God, with the mighty and keen sword of Your Word, that they may realize what great power they have received, to be faithful rulers and guardians of Your creation. Grant that they may exercise justice and execute judgment without partiality or favor to anyone; that they be swayed neither by gift nor praise; that they follow Your Law day and night, seeking to do Your will; and not be swerved either to the right or the left hand from following the same. Assure them, O God, our Father, of Your support even as You did unto the leaders in Your ancient Israel, to Moses and Joshua. Make them to know Your presence in all their doings; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for the Country: Beloved Lord Jesus Christ, make our country, this commonwealth, our city, our communities, to be and remain always like unto a garden which the Lord blesses; as a fountain of sweet waters that never fails; as a vineyard planted by the right hand of the Lord, watched over by Your own eye, guarded day and night that no leaf thereof be missed. Cause our country, this commonwealth, and our city and communities, to have honor that You dwell with us unto the end of time. Grant, that among the nations of the earth we may be blest in You and You in us. Make our land to be filled with Your glory now, that, in the last day, the resurrection of the just be great in it. Hear us, O King of all the earth, Lord Jesus Christ, and let not our prayer come to nothing before You; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Independence Day: Eternal Father, Ruler of the nations, on this day when our country celebrates its birth, we thank you for all spiritual and temporal blessings enjoyed in our land. In Your mercy, You have sustained this nation in times of troubled and preserved its liberties. Teach us anew to treasure especially the dearly won freedom of conscience and worship that is the cornerstone of this country’s principles. Let us not misuse this liberty nor forget that true freedom is freedom to serve. Give us a willingness to share in the process of democratic rule, to respect our country’s laws, and to work for the preservation of its institutions; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Family and friends requesting our prayers: Bernie Faul, Ethan Tinlin, , Jim Stadelmayer, Rev. Clark Davis, Patricia Wirtz, Janette Mullins, Nancy Torre, Paul & Barb Soat, Carolyn Bren, Sheryl Pajewski, Carl & Lois Pritzlaff, Mark Selzler, Paul Lierman, Sherry Cullen, Donald Bren, Ron & Joyce Virchow Sr., Judy Clark, Inez Schwoch, Deb Sumner, Sue Zell, Richard & Chloe Fisher, Ruth Mertz, Jerry & Gert Sullivan, Donna Sommer, Kandie Darmody, June Fry, David & Olivemae Olson, Eric Johanen, Diane Behrens, Marge Legate, Suzanne Stadelmayer, Elaine Kuenzel, Ray & Frances Neerhoff, Jeanette Guillaume, Linda Schmidt, Travis Winkler, Brian Vonlender, Scot Meisenheimer, Thomas Kramlik, and Jody Meisenheimer

Voice of Faith

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Birthdays
4- June Fry
6- Timothy Grosskreuz
Janey Heckendorf
Ron Virchow Jr.
7- Sarah Neuman
8- Lacey Kemeny
Lynda Reetz
John Valles
13- Pam Zenda
16- Bonnie Mowery
18- Carol Neuman
Violet Schellinger
21- Matthias Raffa
Aliza Wollner
24- Laurie Lotz
Diane Swanson
Sarah Voll
26- Samuel Boehlke
Kathy Sullivan
29- Tammy Veselka
30- Ken Frank
Audrey Hilgendorf
31- Rachel Raffa
Anniversaries
12- Gary & Carol Jenovai
14– David & Rebecca Boehlke
17- Kevin & Laura Hoffman
20- Mark & Sarah Ringgenberg
24- Jeff & Darlyn Dalton
30- James & Nancy Audley

July 2022 — Page #

July 2022					1 / Office Closed	2
3 / 8a Divine Service / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12p. Bible Class: 1st Samuel	4 / Church Office Closed for Independence Day	5 / 2p Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	6 / 6:30p Adult Class: / Lutheran Difference-End Times	7 / 7p Divine Service	8 / Office Closed	9 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
10 / 8a Divine Service / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12p. Bible Class: 1st Samuel / 4p Ordination/Installation A. Meier / Good Shepherd Two Rivers	11 / 5:30p Board of Trustees Meeting	12 / 2p Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	13 / 6:30p Adult Class: / Lutheran Difference-End Times	14 / 7p Divine Service	15 / Office Closed	16
17 / 8a Divine Service / 9:30a Adult Class: / 10:30a Divine Service / 12p. Bible Class: 1st Samuel	18	19 / 2p Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	20 / 6:30p Adult Class: / Lutheran Difference-End Times	21 / 7p Divine Service	22 / Office Closed	23 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study / 9a. Elders Ushers Meeting
24 / 8a Divine Service 31 / 9:30a Voters 8a Divine / Meeting Service / 10:30a Divine 9:30a Adult / Service Class: / 12p BC 10:30a Divine Service / 12p Bible Class	25 / 10:30 a.m. Chapel @Jackson Crossing	26 / 2p Chapel @ Auxiliary Court	27 / 6:30p Adult Class: / Lutheran Difference-End Times	28 / 7p Divine Service	29 / Office Closed	30

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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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Romans 11:33—34 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”

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Inside this Issue:
Pilgrim News & Reports
3-5
Volunteer Schedule
6
Tanner’s Homily
7
Giving Opportunities
10
June Voters Minutes
11
Communal Prayers
16
Birthdays & Anniversaries
17
Calendar
18
Lutheran Missions
13
Letter from Pres. Harrison
12

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