Author: Julie Raffa

September 2022

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

Synod President Harrison Addresses Concordia University Wisconsin Board of Regents

I feel the need to inform the members of Pilgrim about issues at our beloved Concordia University Wisconsin/ Ann Arbor. I am going to share with you an article that I attached my name to and was published in the July Lutheran Clarion, which is the newsletter for the Lutheran Concerns Association of which I serve on the Board of Directors. If you have any question for me on this please feel free to talk with me, email, or call. I fully believe in this situation that shining light on this issue will be the best disinfectant. What follows is our letter open letter to the Synod.
Synod President Harrison Addresses Concordia University Wisconsin Board of Regents
A May 12, 2022, posting on the Brothers of John the Steadfast website contained the entire May 9, 2022 letter of Synodical President Matthew Harrison to the Concordia University Wisconsin Board of Regents (https:// steadfastlutherans.org/2022/05/president-harrison-faithfully-addresses-cuw-regents/). The letter to the Board of Regents (BOR) of Concordia University Wisconsin (CUWAA) relates to that Board's search for a new president.
President Harrison detailed multiple bylaw violations of the BOR and in the section titled "A Path Forward":
"1. Richard Laabs and Mark Polzin should resign from the Board of Regents. Their demonstrated unwillingness to abide by the Bylaws and their inability to oversee the presidential search process in a manner that inspires the trust of the Synod at large, have hampered the institution too long.
2. The BOR should restart the presidential search with the three candidates plus additional members of the CUWAA theological faculty from the list of 11 men approved by the Prior Approval Panel. CUWAA clearly needs a competent, compassionate theologian at the helm. My time interviewing faculty and staff made this painfully obvious to me. With no overall clarity and scriptural critique, secular ideas involving critical theory, inclusion, and equity have found harbor on campus. The new president can add to his staff those who are capable of assisting him with administering the $100 million budget of the institution. However, to prioritize demonstrated competence in managing a budget of this size at the cost of eliminating from consideration for the CUWAA presidency very competent theologians is unwise and at odds with the mission of the university.
3. Demonstrate repentance for Bylaw violations and adoption of secular worldview and agendas. Acknowledge uncritical haste that occurred in adopting language of secular diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Assemble a team from within to assess the pervasiveness of this secular influence. Invite the participation of theologians from CUWAA and the Synod at large. Make use of the considerable abilities of the Synod's Commission on Theology and Church Relations. Use this unique opportunity to craft diversity resources based upon the inerrant Scriptures, without the additional baggage of secular inclusivity initiatives. Produce something of value- - for all our universities—that will help us all to be and remain solid, biblically conservative institutions serving the church and her mission, and training young people to have meaningful lives. I stand ready to assist. The Synod stands ready to help."
Earlier in his letter, President Harrison said, "A full report of the findings and conclusions of the visitation team are forthcoming..." [At press time that report had not been seen by the Clarion Editorial Board.] Synodical President Harrison noted that "Our visitation team included educational, legal, corporate, and ecclesiastical experts."
The CUWAA situation reminds the Chairman of the LCA of the extremely sorry situation at Concordia Seminary Saint Louis, when in 1971 he was elected to the Board of Control [now called Board of Regents] and was one of four Board members in the minority when the Board consisted of eleven members. By the mercies of Almighty God at the 1973 New Orleans Synodical Convention the elections resulted in a six to five majority that took action which led to the famed "walk-out" [planned in advance] and a Concordia Seminary today that is Biblical. The Convention Workbook of 1973 had 66 pages of reports and memorials assigned to Floor Committee 3 on Seminary Issues.
Synodical President Harrison is to be commended for his letter to the CUWAA Board of Regents and should receive the full support of all members of the Synod and Synod congregants. Clarion readers are strongly urged to go to the web site of Steadfast Lutherans, read the letter and then thank Synodical President Harrison. Although Synodical President Harrison addressed his letter to the Board of Regents, the Clarion Editorial Board understands that the Board has yet to issue a response to President Harrison but that the CUWAA Teaching Administration has responded even though President Harrison’s letter was not addressed to the Teaching Administration.
It also seems there have been no resignations by Messrs. Richard Laabs or Mark Polzin. To top all of this off, a May 10, 2022, CUW news release announced, among other things, that the faculty at commencement was conferring the Christo et Ecclesiae award to Mark Polzin. In the opinion of the Lutheran Concerns Association, CUWAA needs a housecleaning.
The LCA Board of Directors:
Mr. Walter Dissen (Chairman)
Rev. Dr. Martin Noland
Mr. Mark A. Franke (Vice-Chairman)
Rev. Jerome Panzigrau
Rev. Joseph M. Fisher
Rev. Andrew Preus
Rev. Dr. Kristian Kincaid
Mr. Leon L. Rausch
Mr. John A. Klinger
Mr. James D. Runzheimer
Dr. John F. Lang
Update: As of today Mr. Laabs was not re-elected to the board at the District Convention and there were multiple resolutions passed at Convention calling for measure to be implemented Lord willing at the upcoming Synod Convention in Milwaukee 2023.
God Bless,
Pastor Fisher
Hebrews 12:1-2

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Pilgrim News
Sunday School and Catechism Registration
Please remember to register your child/ren for Catechism and for Sunday school. Catechism starts on Wednesday, September 7 at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday school starts on Sunday, September 11 at 9:15 am in the Music room downstairs. There are registration forms available in the Narthex and on the Pilgrim website at www.pilgrimlutheran-westbend.org (also on page 7 of the Newsletter). It can be found under the Education tab. Please register as soon as possible so we know how much material we will be needing.
Church Directory
You may have noticed that Pilgrim is doing a Church Directory. You can sign yourself up with the QR code on the posters, you can sign up on the Pilgrim website at: www.pilgrimlutheran-westbend.org click on the tab that reads Church Directory sign up and follow the prompts or you can contact the Church office and one of us will be glad to help you. We are having pictures taken on Tuesday, September 6—Saturday, September 10. It won’t be a complete directory with out you!
2022 Pilgrim Silent Auction
Sunday, Sept 11, 9:00 am through Sept 25th, 12:00 pm in the old fellowship hall. Items can be dropped off Sept 9-10th from 9-12 pm, Carolyn McAfee will be there to take in items, any questions please give her at call 262-305-9776. Any items that do not sell can be picked Sunday Sept 25th or Monday Sept 26, 9-12 pm,
If you can't make these pick up dates call Carolyn McAfee or talk to Sarah Spalda in the church office, 262-334-0375 , 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Monday -Thursday and we will pull them and set aside for you. All items will then be loaded up and taken to Bethesda Thrift Shop in Horicon.
Memorials
In memory of Paul Soat $1,235.00 have been given to Pilgrim by family and friends. In memory of Richard Fisher, Pastor Fisher's father, $1,000.00 has been given to Pilgrim for the Endowment Fund by family and friends.
In memory of Gert Sullivan $1,335 has been given to Pilgrim by family and friends.
Concealed Carry Class
The Concealed Carry Class will be led by Patty Kennedy on Saturday, October 8, 2022 here at Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church. The class lasts for four hours and will start promptly at 10:00 a.m. The cost for the class is $75.00. per person. There is a sign up sheet in the Narthex if you plan on attending..

Luther Hostel
This will be the second annual trip to the Luther Hostel at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. This year’s theme is Christian Worship: The Faithful Reception of God’s Gifts. Dates are November 2-4. The cost is $200.00 (includes all meals). Speakers include but not limited to: Dr. Benjamin Mayes, Dr. Paul Grime, Dr. William Weinrich, Dr. David Scaer and Dr. Todd Peperkorn. I took a small group last year and we stayed in campus housing which is only $30.00 a night. To see the schedule and more go online to ctsfw.edu/LutherHostel. If you would like to go please let Pastor Raffa know as soon as possible.
Ladies Guild/LWML
Ladies Guild/LWML will meet on Tuesday, September 20 at Noon. Lunch will be provided. All ladies of the congregation are welcome! See you soon!
Pilgrim Quilters will be meeting on September 14 and 28 at 9:00 am. All members of the congregation are welcome to join in, not only do they need people to sew, they need people to lay the squares in patterns, and people to lay the layers together and they need people to tie the quilts. We do have lunch together, brown bag, and one of our members brings dessert to share.
If you have any questions please contact Judy Frank at 262-388-1210.
Altar Guild will be having a general meeting on Tuesday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Pilgrim Pantry
The Pilgrim Pantry is more of a dry goods pantry than a food pantry. The following is a list of the items that are most needed:
Paper towels
Laundry detergent smaller containers please or if you are getting pods, any size is welcome, we can divided pods easier.
Toilet paper
Dish detergent
Deodorant
Shampoo
Conditioner
Tooth paste
Soap
Kitchen size trash bags
Garbage can size trash bags
Gallon storage bags
Quart storage bags
Sandwich zipper bags
Assorted sizes in baby diapers
Baby wipes
Cleaning wipes
Thank you.

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A Pastoral Thank You And Reflection after 15 Years
“ I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in
you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6)

I write this on the day after you gave thanks for our partnership in the Gospel for the past 15 years. I thank the Lord for these 15 years with you. The handpicked cards, the heartfelt words, and the generosity is beyond words. I was humbled and overwhelmed by your support of the pastoral office, of which I merely a bondservant and a mouthpiece of my Lord Jesus. As I sat and looked across the room filled to the brim with so many people, I reflected internally on the mystery and joy of the Church, the Body of Christ. So many moving parts. But one Head. So many different personalities, but one confession. So many different lives and narratives, but one hope and destiny. The following words seem long overdue.
So thank you to the one who sees visitors, and without hesitation, greets them with a genuine welcome, who stands near to make that all in attendance have what they need before worship begins.
Thank you to the one who serving the altar guild, the one who won’t leave until everything is in its proper place, the one who will take great well before and after worship to see that the Lord’s holy things are kept in careful ways, befitting of royalty.
Thank you to the one who gives a smile of encouragement to the young father and mother struggling with their little ones.
Thank you to that young couple for wrestling through a challenging morning, for getting the little one’s breakfast, for getting them dressed, for doing all the can to teach their little ones the language of the Church’s faith and worship in the same way their parents taught them.
Thank you to the single parent that does this alone.
Thank you to the one who serves on a board or committee, giving tirelessly so that all things would be done decently and in order here, that this particular place would be a useful tool in the Lord’s hands for the extension of His Gospel kingdom.
Thank you to the one who walks through the entirety of the church after worship or an event in order to make sure the doors are locked, the lights turned off and that the facility that the Lord has seen fit to grant safe and ready for the next day’s potential.
Thank you to the one who vacuums the floors and takes out the garbage, the one who sees a particular part of the church or its two parsonages needs some fixing that only a set of skilled hands can fix. Thank you to the one who spends countless hours, week-days and weekends traversing and tending to the countless needs of our large property.
Thank you to the one who teaches Sunday School, the one who gives of oneself Sunday after Sunday for the sake of Christ’s little lambs that they would hear His voice and grow in the knowledge of His works and the depth of His love.
Thank you to the one who gives time and effort to comfort the bereaved, who provides a meal, the one who cries with widow or widower, the one who makes and delivers a meal in a time of crisis, who sends note cards with comforting texts from God’s Word edged with personal words of loving kindness.
Thank you to the one who steps up to meet the burdens borne only by principle and orderly leadership, the one who sits in meeting after meeting making the most difficult decisions, the one who takes those hours-long concerns home at night and wrestles with them there too.
Thank you to the one who learns of a need in our parish and adds an extra zero to his or her offering check before putting it in the offering plate. Thank you to the one who does this not just stirred by a particular need, but because of a continued evaluation of one’s giving, a careful reconsidering of the commitment made and the desire to reach higher if possible.
Thank you to the one who shows such incredible love to the workers—to the pastors, the secretary, the treasurer, the trustees, the janitors, and all others—the one who writes kindly notes of encouragement, who helps fold and stuff bulletins, who takes time to diagnose and then fix a problem, who bakes a little something extra for a servant’s family to enjoy.
Thank you to the one who keeps the same pew warm Sunday after Sunday, the one who never misses because to do so would to be found hungry—no, starving—for that which is needed for life in this world, and a heart and soul fixed on the next.
Thank you to all who truly radiate what the Psalmist meant when he wrote by the power of the Holy Spirit, “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere, I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” (84:10).
By God’s grace and favor He keeps us through every year, for all our times, not just fifteen, are kept in His hands. Remember always to grow where you are planted (1 Cor 7:21-24) and abide in the Lord who birthed you and declared you to be His new creation.
For we are all birthed of father and mother. We are body, located in space and time. We carve out a life in a place. It doesn’t really matter whether that place is thought of as desirable or not. It could be West Bend or West Africa. I think of my late grandmother who grew up in Czechoslovakia under the iron fist of Adolf Hitler. I think of those who have fought and died in wars in foreign lands. I think of those who were born malformities or genetic diseases. I think of those who were traumatized by a world captive to brokenness, bitterness and hell-bent on deforming what God created beautiful, good and true. I think of so many. And wherever you are planted, that place becomes a home. Despite all odds and challenges it is for a short or long time a place to give love, to sacrifice, and we pray, to be given the gifts of God’s creation.
And in this life we are always on the move. Our life is open ended, unfinished, a canvas that bleeds and hurts, loves and rejoices, all the while wondering where it is all moving to. Only God, as St. Augustine said, can catch the heart and hold it still. Only God can see us whole and finished, as we truly are in Him, new creations by water and His Word. Thus, we cannot in any complete sense account for ourselves or our decisions, they are a mixed bag of sinning and saving, hurting and helping, living and dying. To take your life seriously as planted in a particular place by God is to realize that the story of your life is precisely what St. Augustine wrote—a confession—a confession that God knows you better than yourself. And so your life confesses and your lips confess, “Teach us, O Lord, to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants” (Ps 90:12-13).
As a looked at the photo board my beloved wife made of my 15 years here with you as pastor, I could not help but think: I am creature of God, not the Creator. I am caught up between the age which is fallen and the new age which is to come. I am caught between the memory of the past and the expectation of the future. I am planted in the present moment, a tense filled time in which I am dying and dead in Adam, but living and arisen glorified in Christ. We must all learn to live not only planted in vocation, in the various callings of life, but also that we are “on the way.” The bitter lesson of the first commandment is this: God ties our hearts to particular times, places, and people—and then the same God tears us away from them so that we may learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. And God does it so that we may learn to see this world—with all its beauty—in the way that C.S. Lewis once described: It is an inn, a resting place, but we should not mistake it for home. God does this to help us learn that to set our minds on the gifts of Christ is the only way that gives deep meaning to this life, that we dare not rest the whole weight of our heart’s desire in any passing good. We are on the way and planted in a time, in a place, in people and for people. We live in a grand tension. Placed here by God and made one day to rest in God. Neither truth about our nature as Christians should not be denied.
So grow where you are planted. If a mother or father, love your kids, carry them, hold them, and teach them the ways of the Lord. If a grandmother or grandfather, speak of the wisdom of having the length of days in the Lord, of what it means to suffer, of what it means to grow old in Christ and His Church. If you are single, live in the bonds of friendship, the communal bonds of Christ, and a life of grand service to the countless people that need you. If a husband or wife, love one another as the gift that you are to one another by the hand of God. Live in the love of Christ and love by giving your life to the one whom God joined you to in this life.
Indeed, in whatever station God has planted you, you have the assurance that you are not alone, that God in His Son has planted beneath your impossible vocations the forgiveness of sins, the peace that Christ has justified and sanctified your life in His flesh and blood. So, grow where you are planted. Grow in the gifts of Him who plants you for the sake of your neighbor. Grow in receiving more deeply Christ’s love and forgiveness, His truth and His wisdom.
I have every confidence that by God’s grace who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion. Which is to say, you will continue to salt and light in the world, a collective city on a hill. The Lord’s Word will continue to go through these days of both persecution and rest. His mighty arm will be evident among us, and many who walk in darkness will see a great light; and those who dwell in a land of deep darkness, on them a light will shine (Is 9:2). Remember, you who are planted in Christ, buried with Christ, will also be raised with Christ in the splendor and glory of His resurrected and eternal life.
Again, thank you. It has and continues to be a joy and a privilege to serve alongside of Pastor Fisher and give you the gifts of Word and Sacrament. It is a joy and privilege to serve beside you and with you the saints of Pilgrim.
In the bonds of Christ,
Pastor Raffa

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

September 2022 — Page #

September volunteer
schedule
Thursday, September 1: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder: Patrick S.
Usher Team: A
Sunday, September 4: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Office
Altar Guild: Laurie L. / Nancy R.
Elder: Ron K. / Gary J.
Usher Team: 3 / 8
Acolyte: Matthias R. / Josiah R.
Thursday, September 8: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Karen S.
Elder:
Usher Team: B
Sunday, September 11: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Carolyn M.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Julie R.
Elder:
Usher Team: 1 / 2
Acolyte: Rachel R./ Violet S.
Thursday, September 15: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ruth K.
Elder:
Usher Team: A
Sunday, September 18: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Kathryn P.
Altar Guild: Norma B. / Carolyn M.
Elder:
Usher Team: 3 / 4
Acolyte: Clayton K. / Wade J.
Thursday, September 22: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder:
Usher Team: B
Sunday, September 25: 8:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.
Office Volunteer: Caryn L.
Altar Guild: Nancy R. / Rita F.
Elder:
Usher Team: 1 / 8
Acolyte: Matthias R. / Josiah R.
Thursday, September 29: 7:00 p.m.
Altar Guild: Ginny S.
Elder:
Usher Team: A

Membership report
Baptized: Alice Isabelle Hand
8-7-2022
Deaths:
Gert Sullivan 8-4-2022
Funeral 8-17-2022
Transferred In: None
Transferred Out: None
Released from Membership: None

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

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Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession
462 Meadowbrook Drive
West Bend, Wisconsin 53090
Youth Christian Education Program - Student Registration Form
for Sunday School & Wednesday Youth Catechism Classes
Completion of this form is required to ensure there are enough class materials for all students and so that we may contact you when necessary.
Parent Information:
Parents’ Names: _____________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________________
Cell Phone Number: ____________________________________
Email Address: ________________________________________
Will you be attending the Adult Bible Study on Sunday mornings? ___________ You are strongly encouraged to attend, so that your children witness the importance of ongoing Christian education. If will not be attending Bible Study, where will you be in case we need you? ______________________________________________________
Worship service do you normally attend? o Thursday 7 pm o Sunday 8 am o Sunday 10:30 am
Student Information:
Student’s Name: ___________________________________________ Date of Birth: __________________
Grade during the 2022-2023 Academic Year? ____________________
Food Allergies: ______________________________________________________________________________
Are there any medical issues of which we should be aware? ___________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Name: ___________________________________________ Date of Birth: __________________
Grade during the 2022-2023 Academic Year? ____________________
Food Allergies: ______________________________________________________________________________
Are there any medical issues of which we should be aware? ___________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Student’s Name: _______________________________________ Date of Birth: __________________
Grade during the 2022-2023 Academic Year? ____________________
Food Allergies: ______________________________________________________________________________
Are there any medical issues of which we should be aware? ___________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Please Note: Any youth who repeatedly disrupts Sunday School and/or Wednesday Catechism Classes with poor behavior will be required to have a parent or other adult guardian accompany them to all classes.

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Where Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect:
by Rev. Kevin Bergmann
“Practice makes perfect” is a common saying that is true if you are learning to play the piano or trying to perfect your golf swing. But how about in relationships like marriage? Is a couple better off if they practice being married by living together before the wedding? While some might expect the answer to that question to be yes, it actually is a resounding “No.”
A major problem in the church
Living together in a sexual relationship without marriage, or cohabitation, is all too common in the United States today. In 1960, there were 430,000 couples living together in the U.S., but by Fall 2010, that number had soared to just over 8,000,000 couples. At the same time, there’s been a 50 percent plunge in the marriage rate. The sexual revolution that began in the 1960s gave premarital sex a social stamp of approval, new birth control methods and legalized abortions greatly reduced the number of unintended births, and better-paying jobs made women less dependent on the institution of marriage for economic survival. The National Marriage Project, located at Rutgers, focuses on research about the state of marriage in America, and reports that over 50 percent of first marriages are preceded by cohabitation.
Unfortunately, statistics concerning cohabitation among Missouri Synod members seem to mirror those of the National Marriage Project. In January 2010, as part of the research for my doctoral thesis, I conducted a detailed survey of 51 LCMS pastors, asking them to make written responses to 31 questions on cohabitation in their parishes. These Lutheran pastors reported that over 57 percent of the couples they now marry are living together prior to the wedding, and that the rate of cohabitation in their congregations is increasing.
Why couples cohabit
The reasons for cohabiting prior to marriage have been well documented in social science literature. Generally men cohabit for easy availability of sex and shared living expenses, while women tend to see living together as a step toward marriage.
In the survey of LCMS pastors, cohabiters gave a number of reasons for living together. While sharing expenses was the number one reason given, others included testing compatibility, fear of divorce, convenience, getting to know each other and escaping from difficult home situations. All these reasons are flawed. Not one study has shown that cohabitation makes a positive contribution to marriage. Regardless of the reasons given for living together, cohabitation is simply wrong for Christians.
What the Bible says
God created the institution of marriage in Genesis beginning with Adam and Eve. When God speaks of the relationship between men and women in Genesis 2, He says that “a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). Jesus says that marriage is to last for a lifetime for “they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matt. 19:6). It is not the Lord’s intention that men and women move into and out of cohabiting relationships; that is an obvious violation of the letter and the spirit of Genesis 2 and Matthew 19.
Jesus addressed the issue of cohabitation directly when He spoke to the woman at Jacob’s Well in John 4:4–26. The Lord knew that this woman had lived with five different husbands and that the man she was living with was not her husband; their relationship was not a legitimate marriage. Jesus pointed out that she was living outside the boundaries of God’s Law and that she needed to recognize her sin in order to receive forgiveness.
St. Paul warns Christians, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body” (1 Cor. 6:18). It is also a sin against God, “For this is the will of God . . . that you abstain from sexual immorality . . . For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness . . . whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you” (1 Thess. 4:3, 7-8). Jesus listed sexual immorality as one of those sins that comes out peoples’ hearts, making them unclean and disrupting their fellowship with God. Cohabitation has serious consequences for a person’s relationship with God and with other people.
Breakups
While many view living together as preparation for a lifelong marriage, the average cohabiting relationship o nly lasts 1.3 years. Half of all couples who cohabit break up before they get to the altar. And cohabiting couples who do marry get divorced at a rate fifty percent higher than those who marry without cohabiting. The shocking result is that more than three-fourths of all cohabiting couples eventually break up.
Hardships for children
The National Marriage Project reported that in 2000, 41 percent of all unmarried-couple households included a child under eighteen, nearly double the percentage from 1987. The dangers to children in a home in which a biological parent is cohabiting are staggering. Children in these relationships often suffer psychologically when they sense that they are a source of stress between their natural parent and that parent’s cohabiting partner, or when cohabiters break up and the children suffer the loss of a biological parent or parental figure. Statistics from the U.S. National Survey of Families indicate that when cohabiting couples separate, unwed fathers are twice as likely to have no contact with their children compared to divorced fathers.
Facing the problem
Clearly there has been a change in attitude in society that is evident in the local parish as young couples often openly live together. At the same time, the church and Christian parents are often silent on the issue of cohabitation. Perhaps some are hesitant to speak because of the sexual issues involved or because the issue is deemed too private. However, not only are the spiritual and physical
health of cohabiters and their families at risk but the health of the church is affected too.
What better place to find guidance on how to approach this delicate subject than to look to Jesus and the woman at Jacob’s well in John 4. Jesus was not silent on the issue of cohabitation nor did He gossip to others about the woman. First, He gave the woman dignity, crossing the lines of the cultural custom of the day by speaking to her. With this woman at the well, Jesus knew there was a problem and addressed it directly with her one-on-one. Second, rather than accusing and condemning her Jesus spoke to her privately and gently. He didn’t argue with her, but merely stated the facts, leaving the door open for response and discussion. Finally, He cared for her and what was going on in her life in a way that encouraged repentance, forgiveness and change. Jesus’ model for dealing with cohabitation still applies to us today.

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Lutheran library
Serpents in the Classroom answers questions that teachers, pastors, and parents often ask themselves. Despite their best efforts, why do children so often reject the Christian faith? The answer is found in the theological presuppositions that undergird much of contemporary education. Though the educational establishment often presents its models as products drawn from evidence-based research that is theologically neutral, they are anything but. Rather, they are founded on theologies that are diametrically opposed to orthodox Christian teaching.
Drawing on his experience as an educator, pastor, and professor, Dr. Thomas Korcok uncovers the theological tenets of some of the pedagogues who have been influential in shaping contemporary educational thought and discovers how they have intentionally designed education to turn children away from the Christian faith.
By disclosing the theological assumptions of the thinkers who have given us today’s educational theories and methods, Dr. Korcock shows their hidden agendas and the harm they have done to America’s schools and the young people who attend them. He also asks why so many Christians have followed these approaches, even though they were designed to undermine the Christian faith. He goes on, though, to challenge Christians to rediscover their own educational heritage, namely, classical Christian education.
The kindle version of the book you can get on Amazon.com for 8.49. If you want a paperback book it will cost much more at 24.95. But given its timely and important material regarding the education of our children, it is worth the price.
Pastor Raffa

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Communal Prayers
To Find Joy in Life’s Trials: You put me on the stretch, O God. You do me the honor of putting me to the test as You once tested our father Abraham. You bid me to do the impossible: not only to endure the tempering heat of trail but to rejoice in it—impossible! But Your Son did not find it impossible when you tried Him with failure. He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and gave thanks to You when You took from Him the wise and understanding and reveled Him only to babes, to the inconsequential little ones in whom Your love delights. Your servant Paul found it possible. Your servant James found it possible. And You are my Father just as You are theirs. I thank You for all proofs of Fatherhood. I thank you for the trials I meet. Give me the heart to meet them unafraid, to joy in them as I rejoice in You. Amen.
For Help in Temptation: “The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me,” Adam said, “she gave me fruit of the tree and I did eat.” We are born Adam’s sons and go his way of easy accusation of the Lord, our God. O God, You sent Your Son to turn us back from Adam’s sins and Adam’s death. You sent Him into Adam’s dying for our sake that we might live, no longer as Adam’s sons but Yours. Give us the Spirit Your Son has promised us, to make us honest men again, to know and face the truth, to see ourselves and cease from laying our defections at Your door; to see Your only goodness in Your Word and in our desperate need of You. Amen.
To Forgive Past Sins: “O God, You have trodden our iniquities underfoot and have cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You have forgiven, put sin as far as the east is to the west. The rising sun is not darkened by my yesterday; my hot rebellion of yesteryear has not dried this year’s compassionate rain or parched the teeming earth on which I walk. Oh, still the guilty memory of mine, this dark and unadmitted doubt of You, this questioning of Your forgiveness. Oh, do not let them rise again to torment me, those harsh defacements of my fellowman, those words that flew, arrows fiery with my anger, those proud and brittle clashes of me against my neighbor, those ragged neglect of simple duty. Your Son’s cross stand empty against the sky. Your Son’s grave is opened wide. Your angels have spoken. And Your Son sits at Your right hand for me. Let me remember this, “my sins are forgiven.” Amen.
That the Word May Work in Us: O God, almighty and merciful, once chaos gave way before Your command, and Your creation stood forth structured, wonderful, to call forth melody from all the singing stars. Our wild rebellion shivered and blackened all that, called a chaos down more fearful than the first; and You have spoken a Word more powerful. Your Word of love, Your Son, and You have made us—ah, gift intolerable—the firstfruits of Your new and righteous world. You have made us sons. Ah, gift intolerable—how shall we show forth the splendor of the world to come, the home of righteousness which shall one day live here unbroken and entire? We cannot, but Your Word can. Oh, let it work in us, that the Word implanted in our midst, Your creative Word, let us bring forth summer fruits for You. Amen.
Family and friends requesting our prayers: Ron & Joyce Virchow Sr., Dave Gronowski, Richard Lewandowski, Ethan Tinlin, Mark Selzler, Rev. Clark Davis, Patricia Wirtz, Nancy Torre, Donald Bren, Sheryl Pajewski, Carl & Lois Pritzlaff, Paul Lierman, Sherry Cullen, Judy Clark, Inez Schwoch, Deb Sumner, Chloe Fisher, Ruth Mertz, Jerry Sullivan, Donna Sommer, June Fry, David 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

The Pilgrim Herald 2022 — Page #

Birthdays
1- Diane Behrens
Brian Skrentny
Rebecca Virchow
2- Connie Hackbarth
Angie Skrentny
3- Haley Densow
Jeffry Held
4- Nathan Farrington
5- Gail Doughty
7- Jolene Gundrum
Ben Olson
8- David Pajewski
9- Norma Benz
Kathryn Parker
10- Daniel Neuman
David Zenda
12- James Krubsack
Patrick Schiefelbein
14- James Spaeth
15– Marilyn Roell
16- Braedon Brehm
Autumn Schellinger
17- Mary Schwittau
19- Jennifer Strohmeyer
21– Scott Sullivan
Joyce Virchow
22- Phyllis Laabs-Darkow
Sebastian Dich
Patricia Knuth
Jonathan Thames
23- Jeff Dalton Sr.
27- Beverly Schepp
Sandra Thames
29- Eric Johanen
30- Tyler Densow
Aaron Olson
Yvonne Rosenthal
Sarah Spalda
Abby Voll
Anniversaries
2- Steven & Cindy Wiedmeyer
3- Jeff & Lynn Kreuser
6-Elizabeth & Christopher Gatzow
8- Robert & Theresa Baerenwald
11- Keefe & Lindsey Olig
15- James & Diane Behrens
18- Jeff & Betty Schneeweis
Ronald & Joyce Virchow Sr.
21- Pat & Jeff Otten
23- Ronald & Cheryl Virchow, Jr.
28- Daniel & Barbara Rockrohr
30- Ruth & Paul Kohler

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

September 2022				1 / 9 a Adult Class: 1st Samuel / 7p Divine Service	2 / Office Closed	3 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
4 / 8a Divine Service / 9:30a Adult Class: Small Catechism / 10:30a Divine Service / 12 p Adult Class: 1st Samuel	5 / Church Office Closed for labor Day	6 / 6:30p Board of Elders Meeting	7 / 4p Youth Catechesis / 5:30 p. Parents Meeting / 6:30p Adult Class: / Lutheran Difference on End Times	8 / 9 a Adult Class: 1st Samuel / 7p Divine Service	9 / Office Closed	10
11 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Enduring Faith / 9:30a Adult Class: Small Catechism / 10:30a Divine Service / 12 p Adult Class: 1st Samuel	12 / 5:30p Board of Trustees Meeting / 7p Church Council Meeting	13	14 / 9 a. Quilters / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class: / Lutheran Difference on End Times	15 / 9 a Adult Class: 1st Samuel / 7p Divine Service	16 / Office Closed	17 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
18 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Enduring Faith / 9:30a Adult Class: Small Catechism / 10:30a Divine Service / 12 p Adult Class: 1st Samuel	19	20 / 12p LWML / Ladies Guild Meeting	21 / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class: / Lutheran Difference on End Times	22 / 9 a Adult Class: 1st Samuel / 7p Divine Service	23 / Office Closed	24
25 / 8a Divine Service / 9:15a Sunday School: Enduring Faith / 9:30a Adult Class: Small Catechism / 10:30a Divine Service / 12 p Adult Class: 1st Samuel	26	27	28 / 9 a. Quilters / 4p Youth Catechesis / 6:30p Adult Class: / Lutheran Difference on End Times	29 / 9 a Adult Class: 1st Samuel / 7p Divine Service	30 / Office Closed

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Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
462 Meadowbrook Drive
West Bend, WI 53090

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Phone: 262-334-0375
Email: office@pilgrimlutheranwb.org
Website: www.pilgrimlutheran-westbend.org

Christian Education:
Sunday School Starts on
Sunday, September 11, 2022 at 9:15 am.
Catechism Classes for 5th - 8th Grade
starts on Wednesday, September 7, 2022.

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Inside this Issue:
Pilgrim News & Reports
3-6
Youth Ed. Registration
7
Communal Prayers
10
Birthdays & Anniversaries
11
Calendar
12
Where Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect
8
Lutheran Library
9

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