Author: Julie Raffa

January 2020

The Pilgrim Herald

New Year, New Life
“And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.’” St. Luke 1:35

It’s sad, but some vehemently argue that there is no biblical reference to prove that life begins at conception. And yet a quick scriptural journey to Nazareth and the hill country of Judea shows otherwise—for here we encounter what the church calls the “annunciation” and the visitation accounts that give us a powerful portrait of the sanctity of human life in the womb. It is at Nazareth, not Bethlehem, where God the Son became true man without ceasing to be true God.
We can focus more specifically than even Nazareth as to the place and the very moment when the incarnation occurred. Luke’s Gospel records Mary’s response to the angel’s announcement that she had been chosen to bear the Savior of the world: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Before this moment of His conception, God the Son was not yet man; but from this moment onward he was man. Contemplating the wonder and mystery of this encounter, St. Ephraim (A.D. 306-373) wrote. “He (Jesus) entered the womb through her ear.” The apostle John in the majestic first chapter of his gospel described what happened this way: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus’ first dwelling was not Bethlehem or Nazareth—it was the womb of the young virgin Mary. This truth has long been recognized by the Church and holds a timely message for the twenty first century Christian who accepts the pagan notion of abortion.
The Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) reaffirmed the Church’s consistent witness to the sanctity of unborn human life when it stated: “We confess the Holy Virgin Mother of God because God the Word was made flesh and became man from the very moment of conception.” The incarnation was effected in Nazareth but manifested in Bethlehem. The adventure of being human began for the enteral Son at the moment of His conception.
That Jesus’ incarnation was manifested in Bethlehem when He was born is salient reality to consider. After all, the image of the baby Jesus in the manger is a powerful one. But there is an earlier, impressive manifestation of the Lord while yet unborn. Long before the Wise Men adored Jesus, the unborn John the Baptist, in his sixth month, of life, greeted the Savior by leaping for joy in Elizabeth’s womb. We know this from the Gospel of Luke, which suggests that Mary went immediately to visit her cousin Elizabeth after the angel Gabriel’s visit. This would mean that the unborn Jesus, whom both Elizabeth and John greet, was smaller than the point of a needle.
Even in the face of this, some still wish to maintain the fiction that “we really don’t know when life begins.” Or, that our “beingness” occurs at some later stage of development. St. Maximus the Confessor was among the many Christians who demolished this pretension centuries ago: “If man is essentially a whole, then he must be a whole from the beginning: the genesis of body and soul must be simultaneous. This soul is defined in relation to this body; that body in relation to that soul. Each must, therefore, belong to the other from the outset.”
Who can deny that from the moment of conception the Second Person of the Holy Trinity was both fully divine and fully human? The coexistent, coeternal Son of God did not exist “in limbo” in Mary’s womb, becoming either a divine or human person at some later point in gestational development, as some false teachers have taught through the ages. When the Son of God took on took up temporary residence in Mary’s womb, the real divine nature and human personhood of Jesus was confirmed by Elizabeth’s Spirit –inspired greeting when she called Mary, the “mother of my Lord.” Elizabeth spoke these words, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” who does not lie. Similarly, the unborn Baptist’s leap was inspired by the Holy Spirit, signifying the approach of the King of kings though He was yet a tiny embryo. We dare not dismiss the importance of this encounter, for the Spirit of God teaches us profound truths about the beginning of human life.
One truth is that the Holy One of God, in sanctifying the womb of Mary (“blessed is the fruit of your womb”), sanctifies the wombs of all women and bestows an innate value on all unborn children. If we acknowledge that the unborn Jesus was deserving of respect and protection because He was known by the Father and fully human from the moment of His conception, should we not also acknowledge the same of all unborn children regardless of age or condition? Are we not all conceived body and soul, created and known by god and objects of His providential love from the moment of our conception?
Because the church has always understood these truths, it has had a high regard for human life from the moment of conception. Little wonder, then, that the Church has condemned the pagan practice of abortion from the earliest days. Contrary to a common belief among us, abortion is a theological issue, not merely a political or societal issue. The destruction of God’s gift of life makes it a grave theological issue. On the one hand, God does not take kindly to those shepherds who have “healed the wound of My people lightly saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace. Failing to preach on the gift of life and sin of taking it unjustly offends more women more grievously than preaching about it. On the other hand, (and this one often gets left out in the dialogue), if the sin of abortion is never mentioned, then the Gospel that pastors have been called to proclaim and give is never applied to that sin nor to those caught up in its pain and guilt. Instead, Satan whispers to them in the silence, “This sin is too big to be forgiven.” I would gather that not all women see abortion as a choice, but rather the result of feeling they have no other choice. That all they would get from their parents and pastors is condemnation. And when that is the case, that is truly mournful. I cannot begin to think how many women come away from an abortion clinic with a deep sense of guilt and hopelessness. The Church and her pastors have a responsibility and the only gifts that can bring to those mired in this terrible pain and shame the forgiveness and hope that can bring healing and new life.
Martin Luther spoke about the humanity of the unborn child. “For no one of those who are alive now can know where he was during the first two years when he lived either in the womb or when, after being brought into the world, he sucked his mother’s milk. He knows nothing about how the days, the nights or the times have been, nor who ruled and had waited for him. And still he lived at that time and he was a body joined together with a soul and he was equipped for all natural functions. Therefore this is a most certain argument and proof that God wants to preserve humanity in a wonderful manner that is completely unknown to humanity (LW 8:316).
The birth canal does not magically transform human shaped entities into real human beings. As we have seen, the witness of the annunciation and the visitation provides compelling reasons for respecting and protecting unborn human life.
Early Christians chose March 25 as the day to celebrate the annunciation—a date that comes nine months before the birth date of our Lord. The Church would do well to pay attention to this traditional observance in an age where unborn human beings are legally destroyed throughout all nine months of pregnancy for just about any reason. The Son of God entered the world as we do—through the womb—should cause awe in all and fear in those who would presume to invade this sanctuary with instruments of destruction.
A excerpt of a writing for the Annunciation of Our Lord. Mary laid in a manger Him who sits above the cherubim and is praised by myriads of angels. In the manger set apart for irrational animals, the Word of God lay, in order that He might impart to men, who are really irrational by free choice, the true reason and understanding. In the manger from which cattle eat was laid the heavenly Bread, in order that He might provide men who live like beasts of the earth with spiritual food. Nor was there even room for Him in the inn. He found no place, who by His Word established heaven and earth.” (TDP, 1287).
In Christ, Pastor Raffa

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

Pilgrim News
Sunshine Circle will meet on Saturday, January 18, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Old Fellowship Hall to make Valentine’s Day cards for Pilgrim’s shut-in members. Cardmaking supplies are provided. Join Us!
Life Sunday will be observed on Sunday, January 26. A Soup & Salad Lunch following the 2nd service will be served. Take out containers will be available for those who can’t stay for the meal. Cost: Freewill Donation, if you are able. The monies raised will be given to Craig Gabor and his sons. More information about the Gabor family is forthcoming and will be published in the weekly service bulletin.
Thank you to all who helped out, donated, and bought form the Christmas Shoppe. $1,164.85 was raised for the Roofing Fund..

Membership report
Baptized: None
Confirmed:
Jakob Behrens Donohue 12-14-2019
Jeffery G. Steely 12-19-2019
Transferred In: None
Transferred Out: Mona Dickmann to St. John West Bend.
Released from Membership: None

The Epiphany of Our Lord Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Matthew 2:1-12

January 2020 — Page #

Church council Report
The Pilgrim Church Council December 9, 2019 meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President, Jerome Sommers. Others in attendance were Dan Shay, David Fellenz, Tanner Schmidt, Bonnie Leffin, Jim Behrens, Pastor Fisher, and Pastor Raffa.
Pastor Fisher led an opening devotion.
The minutes from the November meeting were accepted without revision by common consent.
Presidents Report – Jerome Sommers
Correspondence: 3 solicitations for donations; Albrecht Free clinic, Concordia Theological foundation, NAMI of Washington Co. No action was taken. Further information on how to make a donation is available upon request.
Pastor Fisher requested that we use our food pantry as a fund raiser project with Thrivent - no objections.
Elders Report – Tanner Schmidt
Approved Sunshine Circle humanitarian card project, etc.
Approved combining of two Usher Teams into one
Trustee Report – David Fellenz
New Church sign listing St. Andrews, Pilgrim, and St. Johns Lutheran Churches has been installed next to Hwy. 45, just North of the Washington County Fairgrounds
Plans for making the Old Fellowship room brighter are underway, including LED lights and changes to the walls
Discussion of possible new shed to accommodate the mowers, etc.
Thanks to David Boehlke for his years of service on the Board of Trustees
Thanks to David Fellenz for the new podium in the Fellowship room
Board of Education - Pastor Fisher
There will be a hotdog lunch after the Sunday School Christmas Program rehearsal
Working on Christmas gift bags
Christmas program will be held on Dec. 22 at 4 pm, with a chili supper to follow
Treasurers Report – Dan Shay
A current financial statement was presented and a motion to accept it, subject to audit, was made by Jim, second by Pastor Fisher, and passed.
Flooring fund and roofing fund have each received a $25 donation.
Pastor Fisher’s Report
Pastor Fisher did the funeral for his wife’s Aunt.
Is working with five one-on-one catechism students he sees individually, in addition to regular catechism classes
Sometime in the new year there will be a class on healthy habits in the kitchen
Pastor Raffa’s Report
Free will offering to be taken on Christmas eve and day for the Gabor family.
A motion was made by Tanner, seconded by Pastor Fisher, and passed to adjourn the meeting.
Pastor Raffa closed the meeting with a prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Behrens

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Board of trustees Report
Minutes of the Meeting of the Trustees – 12/9/19
Present: Dave Fellenz, David Boehlke, Rob Selzler, Pastor Fisher, Pastor Raffa, along with trustee-elect Ben Olson (2020 – 2022)
Opened with Responsive Prayer.
The replacement sign is complete and installed on Hwy. 45 advertising the three LCMS churches in the West Bend area.
The new copier is in service.
There is a walk-behind snowblower in the garage. It could be tuned up and used, or disposed of to make some room. Will look into a tune-up.
Rob will head up a project to make some intermediate improvements in the old fellowship hall:
- Twenty light covers (lenses) will be replaced with a more transparent, non-yellowing type for better lighting.
- Will look into the possibility of replacing fluorescent tubes with LED lights.
- Some smaller sections of paneling will be replaced with sheetrock and finished.
Approved bills, property use request.
Briefly discussed a missing vacuum cleaner. Note: It is important to return items to their proper location after use.
The light fixture in the men’s room southwest was replaced because of a broken glass shade.
Dave Fellenz built a replacement lectern for the new fellowship hall for the cost of materials. Thanks to Dave for the donation of his skill and labor to make an attractive addition to the room. (not previously discussed or approved)
The head trustee for 2020 will be Rob Selzler.
Received for review and possible future action, a recommendation from the Safety Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
David Boehlke

Ladies Guild/LWML Annual Report 2019
The purpose of our organization is to serve the Lord with gladness and to aid our congregation in any way we can. We continue to support the LWML with our mites, gifts, and offerings at our Rallies. This year we have supported Missionary Micah Wildauer, Seminarian Austin Meier, and a seminary student in Nigeria. We also thank the congregation for their support for the various in-gatherings.
Several of our ladies attended the Prayer Service held at St. John’s Sherman Center. We hosted the Zone 7 Spring Rally with a speaker from Family Promise (Homeless). 31 people attended and we were able to collect 341 pairs of socks for the homeless. The Guild served 40 people at the Ash Wednesday supper. Long time member, Dorothy Young, went to her heavenly home. She blessed our Guild with a generous gift. We had a Valentine’s Party in her memory. In April, we cleaned the church kitchen. We enjoyed fellowship at our restaurant outing at Cream and Crepe Café in Cedarburg. In June, we enjoyed our picnic and games. In fall, nine ladies attended the Fall Rally at Cascade. We met Mika, the Sheriff’s K-9 dog. The K-9 dogs have an amazing ability to track the scent of drugs and people after being trained with the Command, Correct, and Praise format.
Our Christmas Cookie Sale is always enjoyable and helps in supporting Missionary Wildauer. We also have our Christmas Luncheon Party. We give thanks to God for the many blessings He has given to us including our Pastors, Sarah, and our congregation of believers.
We look forward to serving our Lord in 2020. The 2020 officers are… President—Ruth Kohler, Vice President—Julie Raffa, Secretary—Norma Benz, Treasurer—Judy Frank, Christian Growth—Jane Rockrohr, Sunshine—Barbara Jennrich. All ladies of the congregation are encouraged and invited to join us as we begin the New Year.
Respectfully submitted, Ruth Kohler
President
RK/ss

January 2020 — Page #

Board of trustees annual Report 2019
Trustees for 2019 were: Dave Fellenz (head trustee), David Boehlke, Eric Johanen, Mark Ringgenberg, and Rob Selzler.
In addition to the usual lawn mowing, snow removal, and other ongoing maintenance, a number of projects were addressed in 2019 by the Trustees along with volunteers and contractors. These include:
Four dead or dying ash trees were removed from the yard of the Raffa parsonage. The stumps were cut down and covered with topsoil and grass seed on the spring clean-up day.
Much tree and shrub trimming, general yard clean-up, as well as inside cleaning and building and mechanical maintenance was accomplished during the spring and fall clean-up days. It has been a pleasure to work with the willing volunteers to maintain and improve the church property and others are encouraged to join us for the joy of working together.
In February, Bob Mayer reported that the salt spreader used to control ice and snow on Pilgrim’s parking lots and sidewalks had broken. Bob had repaired it, but suggested that it would need a more permanent repair or replacement. Paul and Barbara Soat offered a donation to cover the cost of a replacement. The new salt spreader has arrived, and we thank the Soats that we have a reliable piece of equipment to use.
Also in February, Pilgrim received a notice (or two) from the City of West Bend about ice on the sidewalks in the front of the church property. A plan was submitted to the city, and permission was granted to grade the ground between the sidewalk and the street to provide better drainage and reduce pooling of water on the sidewalks, especially during late winter freeze/thaw cycles. In September, the trustees put in around 40 total labor hours to grade and re-seed the area.
In 2019, a dishwasher was replaced in the Raffa parsonage, and the A/C unit in that parsonage was tested and continued to function properly through the season
Replacement of the sign on Hwy. 45 was completed.
The trustees approved new, reduced cost contracts for the copy machine (through 2024) and trash removal.
Inspections and preparation for inspections, minor plumbing and other building repairs were completed.
Several special meetings were held to discuss job descriptions for part time staff, and that is an ongoing project.
Work has begun to update and brighten the old fellowship hall and more possibilities for that space will be discussed.
Roof replacement on the church proper, and flooring replacement are projects anticipated in the next year or two.
Many thanks to all who have helped to maintain and enhance our church property in the year past. We look forward to working with you in 2020. Welcome to the new trustees for 2020: Paul Grosskreuz and Ben Olson (2020 – 2022). The head trustee will be Rob Selzler.
Respectfully submitted,
David Boehlke

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Lutheran life
Tips for Instilling Life Values in Children
By: Stephenie Hovland

So many people want to raise a family that supports life. Let’s explore ways we can help our children and grandchildren, students and neighbors, grow up with life-affirming values. The following is a practical guide to each age level, from toddlers through middle-school-age children.
Toddlers Because they love to imitate the grown-ups, encourage them to practice living in a family. Watch as they care for their baby dolls and take on “grown-up responsibilities.” Consider play-acting that you are Great-Great-Grandma and need them to help take care of you. If they don’t have good models for certain life-affirming behaviors, you can show them as you play.
“Why?” is a favorite question of toddlers and preschoolers. If they ask why a baby is in Mommy’s tummy, for example, realize that they are not asking for all details of conception. You can find out what they already know and what they actually expect by first asking them, “What do you think?” Use their answer to give them a bit more information.
Find reading materials that support life issues. There are plenty of picture books that talk about family and unborn babies. Be sure to include these in your reading time to give them an easy, solid foundation for learning about families. In fact, you will find that many storybooks have some values in them. As you read, notice them and repeat them. You can even point to pictures and help the toddler notice the babies, the moms, the grandpas, etc. Play a game of “see all the people God made” or “find all the people God loves.”
Preschool/Kindergarten Children this age may show more interest in the opposite-sex parent. This is your chance to model positive relationships with them. It will give them clues as to what to expect from a future spouse. They will also be watching the same-sex parent for cues about their own identity.
Although some may have noticed it before, they become more aware of double standards. “That’s not fair” may pop up over any perceived inequities, so use this stage to show how God values life at all ages. For example, you can notice, together, that it’s not fair to say a grown-up person is more valuable than a tiny baby or an older person.
They continue to be curious. “Why?” and “What?” can drive conversations, as well as be annoying. Try to have patience and help them satisfy curiosity, especially in regard to God, life, and faith. Children this age like to categorize and sort, so help them to define and categorize people. Who is a person? What makes someone a living person? Some children may not be quite ready for this abstract thinking, but you can keep it simple and elaborate more as they grow older.
Elementary-School Age
Play is still important to learning and development, so encourage children to be sensitive to others’ needs as they play. Be cautious of media input (video games, internet, TV, etc.) since it is also helping form their values. If something happens during play or entertainment, this is the perfect time to stop and discuss it. Often children consume media as neutral or positive, not realizing that they may go against the family’s (and God’s) values. It’s up to you to point these things out and reinforce what is right.
Children are developing an even deeper sense of identity at this age. Give them examples (through real people, books, and media) of the wonderful variety of people God has made and loves. For example, girls can love playing rough and boys can be sensitive—that does not make them something different. God’s creation includes people of many different personalities and talents.
Family togetherness is important at this age, so do devotions together. Read and watch movies together. It’s a great time to bond and to discuss how it all fits into God’s world. This is a crucial time to establish family values. Whatever you choose to spend time doing will be perceived as a family value. If it’s truly important to be together, be sure to set time aside for that—intentionally. It becomes harder and harder as children get older.
Middle-School Ages
A natural time of challenge, this is when preteens and teens may actually ask, “Did God really say that?” They may seem argumentative, but they genuinely want answers. They’re thinking more abstractly and understanding more deeply, so go as deep as you are able with your answers. They may seem to resist your guidance and authority, so leave books sitting around the house that they can discover and read on their own. Sometimes suggesting they read it can mean they never pick it up, but letting them take the lead can work better. Some children are more open to listening at this age, so take advantage of that opportunity.
Many middle schoolers struggle with feeling compelled to grow up while resisting growth at the same time. You may see them sleeping with an old stuffed animal but experimenting with too-mature or too-risky behavior at the same time. It’s a struggle that frustrates them as well. Remind them of your family values. Invite them to join you in Bible study, devotions, etc., to keep those biblical communication lines open. Talk about your vulnerabilities and your faith.
With an advanced tech culture, your middle schooler could be seeing and doing things you never imagined. Keep tabs on their online activity. Be ready to insist on boundaries. Even better, talk about boundaries before they are needed. If the middle schooler can help set boundaries, it is empowering to them; they take ownership.
Children this age often like to join clubs and groups. Encourage them to join groups that are life-affirming. As they become teens, their desire for social justice can be used to help support suicide prevention and elder abuse, for example. If they like to lead, you could suggest they start a group that makes baby hats, visits nursing homes, or throws baby showers for teen moms. Use this time of extra energy and creativity to serve God and serve others.
This article was originally published in the December 2019 edition of Life Date, a publication of Lutheran For Life. The author, Stephenie Hovland, is a mother, wife, church musician, Lutheran school teacher, speaker, and professional writer. She has been involved with Lutherans For Life for several years, mostly at the national board level.

January 2020 — Page #

Lutheran news
Missing Venezuelan Pastor Found Murdered
By: LCMS Reporter Staff

The Rev. Luis Gregorio Coronado was the second-longest tenured pastor in the Lutheran Church of Venezuela. (LCMS/Johanna Heidorn)
The Rev. Luis Gregorio Coronado, a pastor of the Lutheran Church of Venezuela (Iglesia Lutherana de Venezuela, or ILV), was found murdered… after being reported missing several days before. ILV is a partner church of the LCMS.
Coronado, 58, disappeared on December 14 while taking public transportation to visit members of his congregation. His body was found December 16.
Coronado leaves behind a wife and three children, as well as his congregation of over 20 years, Iglesia Luterana Fuenta de Vida (Fountain of Life Lutheran Church) in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela. He was the second-longest tenured pastor in the ILV and maintained a school through his congregation. He had previously served as president of the ILV.
“Luis was a gentle, faithful shepherd,” said the Rev. Ted Krey, LCMS regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “In fact, he was much like John the Baptist, always pointing others to Jesus and the firm hope of the Savior. I grieve him. I grieve for his dear wife and his son who is following him into the ministry.” “Luis now enjoys new life in Jesus,” Krey continued. “We grow stronger in our Advent hope of seeing our dear ones gathered around our living Lord Jesus.”
The ILV issued a prayer remembering Rev. Coronado and asking comfort for his family which reads in part:
“O God of grace and glory, we remember our pastor who is now in your eternal presence. We thank You for making him a shepherd of your flock, and for giving us the opportunity to know him as your servant in our pilgrimage on earth. In your kind compassion, comfort the Coronado family and your church in these moments of grief. Give us faith to see that death is the door to eternal life, so that with confidence we can continue our journey here on earth, until You call us to meet with those who have gone in the faith before us—through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.”
___________________________
This article was posted December. 18, 2019 on the LCMS Reporter Blog: https://blogs.lcms.org/2019/missing-venezuelan-pastor-found-murdered/

January 24, 2020

January 2020 — Page #

Lutheran library
Who Sinned?
By: Rev. Charles St-Onge

Jesus and the disciples pass by a man born blind. They ask Jesus a simple question: “[W]ho sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2b). Blindness is not a natural thing. We are born to have two eyes to see the glory of God reflected in His creation. If someone is deprived of vision, something has gone wrong.
It’s our instinct to protect ourselves from things that seem to disturb the natural order. We want to shield ourselves from the wrongness, assuring ourselves that it won’t affect us. Surely the blindness is the man’s fault, or his parents’, but it isn’t something that could happen to us. We keep the sin as far away from us as possible and as close to the source of the trouble as we can. That way we don’t feel obligated to get involved, to show empathy, to realize that the man born blind is one of us.
Netflix has released a new series, Anne with an E, based on the classic Canadian Anne of Green Gables novels. The first two episodes focus more than the books do on Anne’s status as an orphan. She has been abused and treated as a servant by foster “parents” before being brought into the household of aging brother and sister farmers Matthew and Marilla. But even the Cuthberts, at least at first, are thinking less about giving an orphan a home and more about the future of their homestead.
The community, including many local church members, finds Anne suspect and the Cuthberts a little crazy for taking in this girl. Aren’t orphans thieves? Didn’t one burn down his family’s home just recently? Who would trust their children to play with her? Behind all these suspicions one can hear the voice of Christ’s disciples echoing across the ages: “Who sinned, Anne or her parents, that she would be left an orphan?”
Protestants in certain circles used to have the habit of uttering a “there but for the grace of God go I” when considering tragedies like a man born blind or a child in need of a home. Behind the phrase is the idea that nothing good we have is merited. All of it is a gift. After all, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17a). We did not and do not deserve parents, even the imperfect ones we may have been blessed to have. They are gifts given to us by the undeserved kindness of a God who, through Jesus Christ, is our heavenly Father.
The same James who wrote about the good gifts of God distills the good works our Father desires from us in this way: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27). After all, apart from Jesus we would also be orphans, without true family in the world. Why else would Paul call us God’s adopted sons and daughters or compare us to a bride for Christ our husband? (Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 5:29-30).
Thanks to Adam, our human father, we lost the right to consider God our heavenly Father. We became spiritual orphans. But the Father of lights sent His treasured possession, His one natural Son, into our world to die for Adam’s rebellion and our own. Now we have a forever family—the family of God. Unlike Anne, we find a Father and a Brother who welcome us into Their eternal home, by giving us Their Spirit to live in us.
Who sinned that people are born blind or that children are born orphaned—or even killed by their own parents before having a chance to exit the womb? All of us, all of Adam’s true children, bear responsibility. But now in Christ our consciences have been cleaned. Now we can turn to orphans and welcome them into our earthly homes. We see in them ourselves, apart from Jesus. We visit them with the love we have been shown in Christ at the cross.
In adoption, we take the question of who has sinned and turn it into a statement of Who has brought salvation. We no longer see children who need a forever home and turn away. Now we see an opportunity to show the glory of God, while it is still light. Because Christ wants the works of God displayed in the mercy we show in Christ Jesus.
Rev. Charles and Deborah St-Onge serve the Lord through the LCMS in the Latin America and Caribbean region. In his role as a regional area facilitator, Charles helps strengthen Christ’s work in the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. He assists with theological education and evangelist and deaconess training. He also opens new fields and ministries and develops and expands existing ones. When not helping in this work, Charles serves as the mission pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, working with French-, English- and Chinese-worshipping communities. He is the author of the book “5 Things You Can Do to Appreciate Science and Love the Bible” (CPH, 2013). Charles is also a frequent guest on the Issues, Etc. radio program. He is also a member of the Lutherans For Life Board of Directors. This article was originally published August 11, 2017 on the Lutherans for Life website:
https://www.lutheransforlife.org/article/who-sinned/

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From the ForT
Mercy at Life’s End: A Guide for Laity and Their Pastors
By Rev. Dr. John T. Pless

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

Werner Elert, a prominent Lutheran theologian of the last century, once wrote, “Death does not intrude the field of ethics as a stranger who really belongs in biology, but he is at home here.”1 We are more comfortable keeping death in the realm of biology. Then there can be completely naturalistic explanations of death. Death, after all, is just part of life, and a natural one at that. Just as summer finally must give way to fall and fall to winter, so youth gives way to age and the aged must go the way of death. One generation passes on to give room to the next. We can be rather stoic about death because it is no more than the final turn in the cycle of life’s circle. Then the suggestion of the postmodern philosopher, Jacques Derrida, makes sense: you can give yourself the gift of death. Death is yours for the taking. Enter euthanasia and the nobility of assisted suicide. If life will be taken from me, at least I can take it — I can determine the time and the place.
I don’t have to go whimpering and whining into that dark night. I can choose the means, the locale and the time of the final exit. But death is not content to remain locked up in the clinic. Death knows itself to be more than an inevitable biological episode. Death is more biology: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law”(1 Cor. 15:56). Death, sin and the Law — that’s the trio. It is sin that gives death its sting. And it is the Law, which as the apostle says comes in to increase the trespass (Rom. 5:20), that is the potency of sin.
Death nails life down. It is irrevocable. You cannot do a retake. You cannot play it over again. There are no second chances. Death renders a verdict. The problem is not simply that we are mortal, but that we die sinners. Sweet eulogies uttered at pagan memorial services are fake absolutions, pathetic attempts to declare the deceased righteous and good on account of his vocational achievements, his personal traits, his hobbies or whatever else. Death still wins the victory.
Over and against this, we have another word. It is the prophetic word brought to fulfillment: “‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ ” (1 Cor. 15:54–55). It is a word that shows death for what it is. It is sin that gives death its lethal poison, and it is the Law that gives sin its potency. From those tyrants we cannot free ourselves by retreating to nature, by fantasizing about a soul that migrates from one body to the next. Platitudes that invite us to ponder death not as judgment and destruction but as transformation and change fail. Death will not stay put with biology. Death makes it certain that flesh and blood will not inherit the kingdom of God.
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory though our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:56–57). Alive or in the grave, there is victory in this Lord. At His coming the dead will be raised. The perishable nature will be clothed with that which will not rot or decay; the mortal nature puts on immortality. We wait for that day, anticipating it every time we confess the Nicene Creed, saying, “I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.”
We know the truth about death. Indeed, it is a terrible thing, whose sting is sin and whose power is the Law. But Easter announces the victory. The One who was made sin for us gives us forgiveness in His blood. The One who died in our place gives us His indestructible life. The end of life’s story is not the obituary; the final destination is not the cemetery. The end of the story is Christ Jesus crucified and risen from the dead. The end of the story is your resurrection. In light of this truth, we are set free to face the questions of mercy and care at life’s end with the full confidence that the Lord who gives us life and will one day recall this life to Himself always has more to give. We will neither take our own lives or those of others nor will we hold on to them selfishly when the Lord, who has already called us from death to life in Baptism, calls us to die for that final time.
__________________________
1Werner Elert, The Christian Ethos, translated by Carl Schindler (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1957), 161.
This article is the Introduction to “Mercy at Life’s End: A Guide for Laity and Their Pastors,” a free resource from the LCMS. It is available online at https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/life-ministry and includes information on the following topics.
Death with Dignity?
Euthanasia as an Evasion of the Last Enemy
Important Distinctions
Asking the Right Questions
For Further Reading and Study
A Guide for Families Making Ethical Decisions at Life’s End
If you would like a printed copy of “Mercy at Life’s End: A Guide for Laity and Their Pastors,” contact the church office.
The guide is written by Rev. Dr. John T. Pless. Rev. Pless serves on the faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne as Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions and as the Director of Field Education. In addition to his work at CTSFW, he frequently lectures at seminaries and pastoral conference around the world.

January 2020 — Page #

Lutheran education
For over 100 years, Bethesda has worked tirelessly to educate, advocate for and empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are dedicated to helping those they support become active members of their community so that they can live their lives to the fullest.
Bethesda College of Applied Learning is a unique and exciting two-year postsecondary certificate program designed to meet the higher education goals of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Located on the campus of Concordia University Wisconsin, students enrolled in Bethesda College live on campus in integrated residence halls and learn from a curriculum that centers on formal instruction in four areas: Personal development, Career preparation, Adult living skills, and Campus/community life. Bethesda College’s faculty and student instructors are always available to support each student and help them get the most from their college experience – in the classroom and the community.
Meet a few of the Bethesda College students:
Bethesda College is now in its first pilot year of a new Steps (Successful Transition Exiting Postsecondary) program. During their years in Bethesda College, the students were naturally transitioning into the community surrounding CUW. However it has been determined that there are various areas that alumni needed supports. The areas the students can receive support, a la cart style, includes but is not limited to employment, education/enrichment, community life and engagement, in home safety and supports, daily living skills non-live in, and church membership and engagement.
There are currently six Bethesda College alumni who are officially enrolled with STEPS and an additional seven alumni that live locally and attend many of the STEPS seminars and social gatherings.
Please spread the word! There are multiple opportunities to get new families and perspective students involved with Bethesda College at Concordia University!
Bethesda College at Concordia is offering campus visit days for families of interested students! The next visit day is March 6th.
Bethesda College is also offering a summer, college experience for high school and transition age students for one week in the summer: BC101! This is an awesome experience for students interested in getting a taste of living in the dorms and being in Bethesda College, for one week in the summer! Dates for BC101 are June 15-19 and June 22-26.
Applications for Bethesda College are now live and available online at:
BethesdaLC.org/college.
For more information and to register for a campus visit day or BC 101, email:
Kira.Collins@bethesda.com
This article was compiled from the following sources.
https://bethesdalc.org/about-us/mission-and-vision/
https://bethesdalc.org/what-we-do/bethesda-college/
https://bethesdalc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/19-17-27-Fall-2019-Newsletter2.pdf

The Pilgrim Herald— Page #

From the synod: Eyes of Life
In a world bent down and suffering under the darkness of abortion, euthanasia and death in all its forms, individual members of the LCMS are standing tall to tell their stories. A seasoned woman who had an abortion rejoices in Christ’s forgiveness. A young Chinese man with special needs is loved by his adopted family. A single mom chooses life for her son when urged to get an abortion.
These and other members of the LCMS are speaking up. By sharing their stories through the #eyesoflife campaign, they are boldly giving voice to what millions of others believe as well: that all life, from conception to natural death, is sacred, valued and a gift from God. The following is Phil’s Story.
He’s outnumbered six to one by wife Sara and five adopted daughters from Colombia, and the Rev. Phil Zielinksi wouldn’t have it any other way. As husband to Sara and father to five daughters — Yuliza (14), Lorena (12), Valeria (11), Yurledis (10) and Yesenia (9) — Pastor Philip Zielinski of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Valley City, Ohio, gives thanks for the little things, like a turn in the bathroom every now and then. Actually, “we have 2.5 bathrooms, including one off our master bedroom. God is good!” he laughs.
The Zielinski family is speaking up. By sharing their story through the #eyesoflife campaign, they are giving voice to what millions of others believe as well: that all life, from conception to natural death, is sacred, valued and a gift from God.
As early as premarital counseling, the Zielinskis talked to their pastor “about wanting a large family, having children through birth and adoption,” Phil recalls. “It later became clear that God was going to build our family through adoption alone.” Their five daughters, originally from Colombia, now keep the pair busy — from activities to school to meals — even as they continue to adjust to family life, to being on the receiving end of their parents’ attention, love and care. The girls have, in return, “taught us that love and parenting is about bearing crosses and receiving joys,” he says. “They’ve already learned — all too well — that life is messy and unfair. A child who leaves [her] birth family — for whatever reason and at whatever age — has experienced a trauma and a loss.”
Children can struggle to connect with their parents even as adoptive parents bear the cross of children who “turn their anger, sadness and fear towards them, even though they are not the source of it.” It isn’t easy for child or parent. But, he says, “the joy we have is in the sometimes fleeting moments when they reach for our hand, look to us for comfort or look into our eyes as they tell us something they’ve accomplished. “Every day, they are learning what it means to be part of our family,” he explains honestly. “Being part of a family is hard for them to accept and embrace — let alone being part of the family of God in Christ.” And yet, “the Bible is full of accounts of how God’s love transcends earthly boundaries of geography, nationality and race,” he recounts. “God’s Word, the hymns we sing, the histories of our congregations and our family trees already show how diverse and expansive the Communion of Saints truly is.”
Ultimately, their five daughters are a daily reminder to Phil and Sara that “every human life has dignity and worth in God’s eyes,” he says. “The culture of death that surrounds us cheapens every life and treats the most vulnerable among us as the most disposable. It is by caring for children like our daughters that we stand in godly defiance to Satan, the world and our own sinful nature. “Every person is one for whom Jesus came to give His abundant life,” he explains in his combination role as dad, husband and pastor. “By embracing adoption, we can live out our faith with ‘eyes of life’ to see the value in every child and every life.” Ultimately, he notes, “it’s not because they were adopted that our daughters matter or are special. Our daughters — all children — already matter to God and are precious.”
And what about the young men who will one day come knocking, asking for a date or perhaps one of his daughters’ hands in marriage? “As for the boys, well, all we can do is model what they should expect from a man and what to expect in a Christ-centered and loving relationship,” he says diplomatically, “not perfection, but humility, love, repentance and forgiveness.”
And then, with a wry sense of humor only a father to five young daughters can possess, he adds, “But locking them in the closet until they’re something out of Great Expectations is a solid Plan B.”
You can hear more of Phil’s “Eyes of Life” story by listening to his KFUO interview online at story online at https://eyesoflife.org/phil/

January 2020 — Page #

Communal Prayers
Prayer for the Christian Church and against her enemies: Almighty, everlasting merciful God and Father of our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: we see and sense the condition of Your Church in this life, what sort of fortune she has, and the various ways she is afflicted by the devil and the world. We therefore beseech You for the sake of the same, Your only-begotten Son, firstly, to comfort and strengthen our hearts with your Holy Spirit, that e may not be defeated or cast down by many great dangers; and secondly, that Your would not only hinder the counsels and endeavors of the enemy, but with Your faithful and wonderful help also show, declare, and demonstrate to the world that You nurture, govern, protect, preserve, and deliver Your Church; for You live and reign with the Son and the Holy Spirit, on eternal God, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for temporal authorities: Almighty, everlasting God, King of kings, from whom all rank and power proceed, who instituted temporal authority and committed to it the sword for the punishment of the wicked and the protection of the good: lead all temporal lords and rulers in Your way, that they may keep the common peace, turn away from us war and sedition, and nurture whatever makes for peace, honor, and justice. To that end, O Lord of hosts, give them Your divine blessing, the righteousness of Moses, the meekness of David, the zeal of Phinehas, the strength of Samson, and the wisdom of Solomon. Make and keep them steadfast in good, courageous in adversity, confident in affliction, joyful in sorrow, reliable in distress, victorious in temptation, unmoved in prosperity, and wise, strong, and prosperous in all their endeavors. Let their government serve for the suppression of all tyrants, peace in this present time, and the protection of Christians, to the praise and eternal worship of Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Thanksgiving for all the benefits received since the mother’s womb: Lord, before I was or lived or moved or could do anything, Your were over me in my mother’s womb graciously defending me as Your own creation, tenderly caring for me, and in wonderful manner sustaining me. Much more do You do this to me, O faithful Keeper of men, now that I am a “man born into this world,” living, going, staying, acting, and knowing Your through Your Word, even though my old Adam, which hangs about my neck until the grave, feels the opposite. But however it may seem of feel, I pay no heed to it, nor am I misled by it, but hold to Your declaration that You are my Lord from my mother’s womb. This will not deceive or fail. I confide in this, and by it I stir up and strengthen my faith, which does not regard what is seen (which is contrary to it) but by hope and patience awaits what is unseen. May You be ever blessed, my Lord and my God. Amen.
Family and friends requesting our prayers: Aliza Wollner, Mark Selzler, Jim Stadelmayer, Sonia, Marge Legate, Lois Pritzlaff, Jerry & Gert Sullivan, Rev. Bill Kilps, Tim Allen, June Fry, Stewart Clark, Erv & Ruth Mertz, Richard Reich, Judy Clark, Orville Heckendorf, Sheryl Pajewski, Connie Hackbarth, Louise Kreis, Jennifer Jensen, Tracey Leffin-Hedrick, Diane Behrens, Ray & Frances Neerhoff, Thomas Kramlik, Suzanne Stadelmayer, Chris Held, Eric Johanen, Brooke Steiner, David & Olivemae Olson, Jeanette Guillaume, Karen Haufmann, Donald Teske, Nancy Nicholas, Scot Meisenheimer, Wilma Wilson, Carolyn Bren, Dorothy Miller, Mark Selzler, Donna Sommer, Linda Lukas, Rachel Davis, Marissa Flanders, Linda Schmidt, Vanessa Kuehne, Jenny Vickerman, Inez Schwoch, Scott Biskobing, Laverne Gierach, Travis Winkler, Linda Borneman, Brian Vonlender, Glenn Schnabel, Judith Belling, and Jody Meisenheimer.

Voice of Faith

The Pilgrim Herald — Page #

The Lutherans for Life Essay Contest is for Lutheran School students in Grades 6 through 12.
Visit the Lutherans for Life of WI website for contest guidelines:
http://www.lfl-wi.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2020-WI-essay-contest-rules.pdf
Deadline for entries is April 1, 2020

Birthdays
2 Evelyn Carey
Steven Wiedmeyer
4 James Hanson
5 Eunice Dissen
Inez Schwoch
7 Nolan Nitzke
Betty Schneeweis
8 Chloe Skrentny
9 Jayne Gohr
Bonnie Leffin
Samantha Spalda
11 Dylan Zehetner
Ian Zehetner
12 Jacob Hand
13 Arlene Zicker
15 Aubrianna Held
Olivemae Olson
Daniel Schmidt
17 Tyler Jakubowski
Richard Spiering
19 Michael Olson
20 Susan Knuth
Cindy Wiedmeyer
21 Nicole Zehetner
23 Theresa Baerenwald
Gary Knuth
Julee Vollmer
24 Jeff Schneeweis
Jennifer Stange
25 Paul Liermann
27 Albert Frank
Patrick Horlamus
Sheryl Pajewski
30 David Moenning
Terry Mowery
Anniversaries
19 Michael & Lorna Olson
25 Michael & Mary Schwittau
31 Brian & Pamela Nitzke

January 2020 — Page #

January 2020			1 / 9a New Years Day Divine Service / Usher Team 8	2 / 4p Cable Worship / No Divine Service	3 / Office Closed	4 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study
5 Epiphany / 8 & 10:30a Divine Service / Usher Teams 5 & 2 / 9:15a Bible Study & Sunday School / 12:30p Bible Study	6 / 4p Chapel @ Jackson Crossing / 6:30p Elders Meeting	7 / 12p Pioneers / 2p Chapel @ Auxiliary Court / 7p Choir Practice	8 / 9a Quilters / 9:30a Chapel @ Meadowbrook / 4p Cable BC / 4p Catechism / 6:30p Bible Study	9 / 9a Bible Study / 4p Cable Worship / 7p Divine Service / Usher Team A	10 / Office Closed	11
12 / 8 & 10:30a Divine Service / Usher Teams 1 & 4 / 9:15a Bible Study & Sunday School / 12:30p Bible Study / 5:30p Walther League	13 / 8a to 4p Lenten Pastor’s Retreat / 5:30 p Trustees Meeting / 7p Council Meeting	14 / 2p Chapel @ Auxiliary Court / 7p Choir Practice	15 / 4p Cable BC / 4p Catechism / 6:30p Bible Study	16 / 9a Bible Study / 4p Cable Worship / 7p Divine Service / Usher Team B	17 / Office Closed	18 / 7a Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study / 9a Sunshine Circle
19 / 8 & 10:30a Divine Service / Usher Teams 3 & 8 / 9:15a Bible Study & Sunday School / 12:30p Bible Study	20 / February Herald Submissions Due	21 / 2p Chapel @ Auxiliary Court / 7p Choir Practice	22 / 9a Quilters / 9:30a Chapel @ Meadowbrook / 4p Cable BC / 4p Catechism / 6:30p Bible Study	23 / 9a Bible Study / 4p Cable Worship / 7p Divine Service / Usher Team A	24 / Office Closed	25
26 Life Sunday / 8 & 10:30a Divine Service / Usher Teams 5 & 2 / 9:15a Bible Study & Sunday School / 12p Soup & Salad Lunch Fundraiser / 1p Voters Meeting	27 / 6:30p Altar Guild Meeting	28 / 2p Chapel @ Auxiliary Court / 7p Choir Practice	29 / 4p Cable BC / 4p Catechism / 6:30p Bible Study	30 / 9a Bible Study / 4p Cable Worship / 7p Divine Service / Usher Team B	31 / Office Closed

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

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

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“The next time you are burdened with guilt and wondering if God can really forgive you again, look to the cross of Jesus. There He proved His love by giving up His life to pay for your sin. Witness the supreme proof of your forgiveness, which God provided in the resurrection. There He removes all doubts about who He is and what He did for us. We have absolute certainty that we are forgiven and bound for heaven because of Jesus. It’s the truth!”
Rev. Jonathan M. Kruschel

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Inside this Issue:
Pilgrim News & Reports
3
Lutheran News
8
Lutheran Library
9
Lutheran Education
11
From the Synod
12
Communal Prayers
13
Birthdays & Anniversaries
14
Calendar
15
From the Fort
10
Lutheran Life
7

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We may be in different roles in a child’s life
— from parent to teacher to uncle—
but we can still help guide and form children’s values.

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