Author: Julie Raffa

November 2018

The Pilgrim Herald

Teaching God’s Children
“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of Yahweh.”
Psalm 34:11

A father sits in the doctor’s waiting room. His three kids shuffle their way through the books and toys in the corner. With haste, he fills out the extensive checklist. Two pages full of questions that cover every possible facet of their bodily health. Is your child allergic to any medications? Is there any history of cancer, heart disease, or depression in the family? How often do you yourself see a doctor? This last one seemed a bit perplexing. What does it matter if he sees a doctor regularly? That won’t change whether his child eats a balanced meal and a takes a multi-vitamin each day.
But that is the wrong conclusion. Asking parents whether they themselves see a doctor provides deep insight into how likely they are to pass on healthy habits to their children. A doctor can’t be there at meal times to make sure your children have the correct portions, and have followed a set of dietary guidelines or the colorful food pyramid. A doctor can’t go with parents to the supermarket and pick out healthy foods that won’t contribute to a sluggish and malnourished body. Parents teach these habits to their sons and daughters. Parents make the healthy choices for their children until they are ready to make those choices for themselves.
I would hope no father would say, “I personally believe it is important to eat healthy, but I am not going to force that on my child. When he gets old enough he can choose if he wants to eat fruits and vegetables.”
So, why can’t parents just wait until their children are ready to decide for themselves how seriously they should take the Christian faith? Sadly, this is a prevailing and prevalent thought among parents, especially our culture. But this logic is deeply flawed.
We teach our children lots of things before they are able to understand what they mean. For example, parents show their children how to care for their teeth long before they can understand the interplay between sugar, bacteria, acid, and tooth enamel. If they waited until their children could comprehend all this, it would be far to late to keep their teeth from decay.
Parents teach children to wash their hands long before we teach them microbiology. We don’t wait for them to understand and believe in the germ theory of diseases before showing them how to wash their hands. Parents don’t accept their children’s decision to use a dirty rag instead of warm water and soap. There is simply too much at stake. Likewise, parents cannot take a hands-off approach and allow children to piece together their own faith.
Most importantly, children learn from their parents—especially their father, whether or not the Christian faith is important. If a child sees his father and mother folding their hands and praying before and after meals, in the morning, in the evening, during times of stress and doubt, in church, in any number of other times, he learns that prayer is an important part of life. If they read Scripture and do home devotions he sees that such devotions are something that Christians do as matter of who they are. If he sees them receive the Lord’s Body and Blood, he hopes to join them at the communion rail for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of his faith.
Why is all this important? Jesus says, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). There is only one way to the Father, and that is through the Son and by the Holy Spirit who calls us into this trinitarian relationship through Word and Sacrament.
The world teaches that there are many roads which lead to God. But Jesus simply says, “No. I am the only way to God. He is My Father, and if you have no part of me, you will have no part of Him. No one else can take my place. I am the one thing needful.” So, we parents must teach and give to our children Jesus from the very beginning, in the womb of the Holy Christian Church. For it is Jesus who has created them, redeemed them, sanctified them, in body and soul. It is Jesus who promises them eternal life. No sport, no fun activity, no nice gesture or act of service to a needful neighbor, can impart blessed eternal life. Only Jesus. Only the gifts He gives.
Often we are quick to think that children don’t notice what their parents do. Or parents hope they are not watching their every move. But they are. From the moment a child comes forth from the womb they are watching their parents. Every move they make. Therefore, how parents model their life, especially in regards to the faith, is immensely important. Parents are their children’s first teachers. For example, children who are exposed daily to the six chief parts of the Small Catechism: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, Confession, Baptism, and the Sacrament of the Altar, more than likely can recite them by heart by the time they are four years old. They are sponges at this time. They are soaking up everything they see and they are mimicking everything their parents do. Older children, who have attended church regularly for eighteen years, catechized in Bible, hymnal, and catechism, are more likely to continue in the faith once they leave their parents’ house.
Granted, even with this ingrained faith, Satan, the world and the sinful flesh constantly seeks to destroy the faith of our children. Yet, we never give up on them. Never. We pray for them. We weep for them. We hope for them. In the midst of things we have no power over, we beseech the Lord to turn their hearts back to His gracious house of forgiveness and love. And when opportunities arise, we remind them of the irrevocable promises that the Lord has made to them (See page 7 for more on this).
At the same time, we cannot tire or grow weary in teaching and modeling the faith to our children. For as our children are buffeted by this secularized and lawless world to think the things of men and not the things of God, the only lighthouse that will shine brightly enough for them is the faith once delivered to the saints. That is the faith that parents have handed down to their children for generations upon generations. This handing down of the faith to our descendants may seem at times like an exercise in futility, that it won’t matter in the end, but the Lord clearly says it will. The Christian faith is the most important gift parents can give their children.
Martin Luther addressed his Small Catechism to fathers: “As the head of family should teach them in a simple way to his household.” Luther had no room for do-it-yourself religion, choose you own adventure faith, or just let the pastor do it—parents not needed. No. Fathers and mothers are the primary teachers of the faith. And if they don’t know the faith, then they should learn together as a family around the home altar of the Bible, the Hymnal, and the Small Catechism.
In Christ, Pastor Raffa

Most importantly, children learn from their parents—especially their father, whether or not the Christian faith is important.

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Pilgrim News

Festival Choir has resumed practicing. If you are interested in joining the choir with your voice or instrument, talk to Jane Rockrohr, Samuel Boehlke, or just attend the practices on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Walther League will meet on Sunday, November 11th from 5:30 p.m.—8:00 p.m. A Taco Bar dinner will be provided. All LCMS youth in grades 8th—12th are invited to attend.
Ladies Guild / LWML will meet on Tuesday, November 20 at noon. Hostesses, Nancy and Jo, will provide desserts and beverages. All ladies of the congregation are invited to bring a lunch and join us.
Thanksgiving Potluck: Join the annual Pilgrim Family Thanksgiving Day potluck at noon on November 22nd. The turkey, ham, and beverages will be provided. You are asked to bring your favorite side dish and/or dessert to share. There is a sign up sheet on the Narthex bulletin board.
Christmas Shoppe is asking for donations of new or like new Christmas items. A table has been designated in the Old Fellowship Hall for these items. Volunteers are also needed to set up. Contact the church office for more details.
Annual LWML Cookie Sale: We hope you will bake a double batch of your favorite Christmas cookies! Please bring your cookies to church prior to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 8. We will sell the cookies on Sunday December 9 after both services. We sell our 1-pound boxes for $7.00 each. The money raise goes to support Rev. Micah Wildauer, missionary to Togo, Africa. See page 10 for more details about this mission work.
Spaghetti Dinner & a Show Fundraiser: The Salt & Light Speech & Debate Club of SE Wisconsin is raising funds to help reduce students’ costs of participating in Debate Competitions. The fundraiser is being held at Pilgrim on Friday, November 9th. Dinner is at 6:00 p.m., Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person (Gluten-free: $12). Talk to Samuel Boehlke for more information or to purchase tickets.

Seasonal Youth Choir is being formed to sing at three Divine Services during Advent. For students in grades 5th—8th, practice will begin Wednesday, November 7th from 5:30-5:50 p.m. Younger children will practice on Sundays, beginning November 4th) from 10:15-10:30 a.m. All practices will be held in the Sunday School Music Room. For more information or to sign up your child up, contact Carol Heger at 262-338-3028 or xusnps@aol.com.
Children’s Christmas Service will be held on December 16th at 4 p.m. It is based on the hymn, “What Child is This.” We encourage the entire congregation to come and hear the children proclaim the Savior’s birth, the joy and hope of man’s redemption and resurrection unto eternal life. Following the service, our pastors’ will once again host a Chili Supper for all to enjoy.

Children’s Service Opportunity: Pilgrim has formed a relationship with The Waterford at West Bend Assisted Living that will allow our children and youth to spend time with the Waterford residents in various organized activities every few months.
Our first visit will be scheduled for a Sunday afternoon in December. Our children will entertain the residents with a number of Christmas hymns and carols, and a hands-on craft will be shared. Date, time, and other details are forthcoming. More events are being planned for 2019!
Prior to our December Visit, we will be sending handmade Thanksgiving cards to the Waterford residents. Blank cards and some craft materials will be sent home with children in late October/early November. The cards can be decorated at home and returned to church no later than Sun. Nov. 18. (Place completed card & envelope in Carol Heger’s church mailbox.)
For more information, or to help with the December visit, contact Carol Heger at 262-338-3028 or xusnps@aol.com).

November 2018 — Page #

Voter’s meeting minutes: October 21, 2018

President Jerome Sommer called the meeting to order at 1pm.
Roll call: 26 members were in attendance, Bob Knuth, Dan Shay and Jim and Ellen Roerdink signed the constitution.
Devotion: Pastor Fisher led a responsive prayer, hymn sung “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”. As a devotion he read us an article written by Rev. Todd Wilken, “Why Do You Go To Church?” Among other good points, what keeps us Christians is the work of the Holy Spirit and that Jesus has promised to be where He has promised to be, in His Word and Sacrament for the forgiveness of all our sins. If you would like a copy of the article please contact Pastor Fisher.
ELDERS REPORT: Tanner Schmidt reports that there is a new sign outside of church. They could use another Elder. Youth Group or Walther League is taking off to a good start. Got some equipment to record Bible classes. The Elders after counting the likes and dislikes toward the Processional Cross have come to a decision for now, not to use the cross for reason not to upset or divide our congregation or family at this time.
TRUSTEES REPORT: Dave Boehlke reports a big Thank You given to all lawn maintenance volunteers. Fall cleanup was a big success, a number of things got done. Getting bids on an air conditioner for the Raffa house.
BOARD OF EDUCATION: Pastor Fisher reports that looking at why we have such a small attendance in Sunday school. Children’s Christmas program is December 16, Chili dinner to follow. Trying to get a youth choir together to go caroling at Christmas time. Carol Heger is trying to get the youth to make cards and visit shut ins.
TREASURERS REPORT: by Dan Shay standing in for Fred Leffin in his absence. Doing well, debt is done. Balance is $5926.32.
PASTORS REPORT: Pastor Fisher reports he has been preaching at St. John in New Fane [this Church started Pilgrim]. Their Pastor is having surgery. The issue of the shortage of Pastors is because Pastors are retiring and the Seminary has less students. At Pastors Conference Circuit Forum Dave Boehlke represented our Church. Pastor Raff was elected as Pastoral delegate for the 2019 convention. Confirmation classes on Saturday morning with a few adults and Wednesday night Catechism for the children. Eunice Dissen suggested that we have something in the evening after school for the younger children who don’t have catechism yet. Dan Shay’s Great Granddaughter was baptized at our Church but is not going to be a member here. Ken Frank had printed up new cards for Church. Pastors do 9 different services in Nursing homes in our area a month.
CONCORDIA: Pastor Fisher reports that Concordia Mequon is financially low but because of a good outcomes and a lesser number of children in our state.
NEW BUSINESS: Election of Officers and Boards
Financial Secretary Jennifer Schmidt
Church Council Suzanne Stadelmayer
Elder Tanner Schmidt
Elder Bob Knuth
Elder Jacob Hand
Trustee Eric Johanen
Board of Education Scott Densow
Endowment Committee Michael Loomans
Tanner Schmidt made a motion to accept candidates, David Boehlke seconded it. All passed.
.
NOMINATIONS OF SYNOD 2019
President Rev. Matthew Harrison
1st Vice President
Regional President
Will handle this in January’s meeting. Motion to adjourn meeting by Rita Frank and Jim Roerdink seconded it.
Pastor Raffa closed with prayer.
Sincerely submitted by,
Nancy Rosenthal
Nancy Rosenthal Secretary Voter’s Meeting.
NR/ss

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Church council Report
The Pilgrim Church Council October 8, 2018 meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm. by President Jerome Sommer. Others in attendance were, Judy Frank, Tanner Schmidt, David Fellenz, Fred Leffin and Jim Behrens. Pastor Fisher and Pastor Raffa were away, attending Pastor’s Conference.
Tanner Schmidt led an opening devotion.
Presidents Report - Jerome Sommer
Minutes from September 10 meeting were approved as printed.
Jerry mentioned correspondence he had received from various organizations requesting financial support.
Ballots to nominate two candidates for First Vice President have been received and are due back February 20, 2019.
Elders Report - Tanner Schmidt
Will be seeking Thrivent funds to purchase Christmas cards that can be sent to members not in attendance recently.
Sign on north side of Church campus, listing Sunday school times, etc. will be replaced soon.
Trustees Report - David Fellenz
Fall Clean up is scheduled for October 13.
Air conditioner at the Raffa parsonage is leaking. Getting estimates for replacement.
Suggesting additional information, such as time of use, be added to form used to request use of Fellowship room.
Treasurers Report - Fred Leffin
A financial statement as of September 30, 2018 was presented.
2019 budget to be presented a the October 21 Voter’s Meeting was discussed.
The Octobers Voter’s Meeting is scheduled for October 21 at 1 pm. Offices open for election at the October meeting include Financial Secretary, Elder, Trustee, Board of Christian Education, and Endowment Committee.
A motion was made by Judy Frank and passed to adjourn the meeting. Tanner closed with the evening prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Behrens
JB/ss

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silent auction report
Many thanks to all who participated in this year’s silent auction. With your help and participation, $1,071 was raised in support of the General Budget. Here is a listing of the Ticket Item Winners:
Packers Football: Phill & Jayne Gohr
32” Sharp Television: Janet Meisenheimer
Kewaskum Floral Basket: Janet Meisenheimer
Two Kelley’s Country Creamery Certificates: Janet Meisenheimer
Keurig Coffee Maker: Ruth Kohler
Kelley Country Creamery Gift Pack: Paul & Barb Soat
Packer Collection Box: Dan Shay
Jelly Belly Basket: Sarah Spalda
Honey Grove Honey Gift pack: Russell Guillaume
Three Kelley’s Country Creamery Certificates: Bev Hanson
Honey Grove Ice Cream Certificate: Jeff Schneeweis
Quilt 66x76: Pat Horlamus
McDonalds Quarter Pounders Certificates: Pat Horlamus
McDonalds Quarter Pounders Certificates: Jim Roerdink
Door County Coffee: Kent Voll
Congratulations to all!

Membership Report

Received by Affirmation of Faith:
w Kent Voll
Transferred Out:
w Ryan Mayer to St. John New Fane

Board Reports
At this time, there are no reports available for publication from the Board of Education, Trustees or Elders.

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Ask the pastors: What can I do when my child strays from the church?

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Lutheran News

From The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod:
WHEN YOU THINK “LUTHERAN,” DO YOU THINK JOY? When you tell your neighbors and friends that you are a Lutheran, do they say that Lutherans are joyful people? When you go to worship on Sunday morning, do you go in joy, listen in joy, sing in joy and leave with joy?
“Rejoice always” (1 Thess. 5:16). That is the whole verse — easy to memorize. Rejoice. Always. Because God loves you. Because Jesus died and rose for you. Because the Spirit has called you by the Gospel into this saving faith. Because God is faithful to His promises, and He will surely do it (1 Thess. 5:24).
“Joy:fully Lutheran” is the theme for The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod through the 2019 Synodical Convention. Joyfully Lutheran, we live in response to God’s love for us in the death and resurrection of Jesus. We live joyfully, because God’s love is freely given to sinners through faith for Christ’s sake. We live joyfully, because we do not work to earn God’s love and forgiveness but receive it by faith alone in what Christ has done for us.
Joyfully, we receive God’s Word and Sacraments as His means through which He gives to His children His love and mercy in Christ. We live joyfully, because though we cannot believe by our own reason or strength, the Holy Spirit has called us by the Gospel, enlightens us with His gifts, sanctifies and keeps us in the one true faith in Christ Jesus. We live joyfully, because the Father invites us to pray to Him as children talk to their dear father. We live joyfully, because Jesus has done it all for us.
Our joy is not generic joy. We are not just happy people. We are joyfully Lutheran. We live our lives trusting in the mercy and love of God. Our Savior suffered for us, and we know that our lives also will be filled with trials and suffering, yet we live in joy.
Joy does not mean that we ignore the realities of our lives. Faith in Christ does not remove us from the trials and temptations that befall people in this life. Faith in Christ does not mean that we cannot suffer or sin. Faith in Christ points us to the hope we have in the midst of the difficulties of this life. And Christ is our joy.
The cross is the most prominent symbol of Christianity. We proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. With our Lord, we know that suffering and pain is inherent in our lives as we dwell in this sinful world. With our Lord, we do not expect sinners to embrace the Kingdom, but trust that it is through suffering and death that the Kingdom comes among us. With the Lord, we bear our own crosses and rejoice in the will of the loving Father, even when it seems hidden from our view.
The Christ on the cross is the Christ who conquered death and the grave. We rejoice, because our sins have been removed from us. We rejoice that death no longer has the final word over our lives. We rejoice that our Savior is coming again. We rejoice in the promises of life with Him forever. We rejoice that He is with us in His Word, Sacraments and Church.
I, a poor miserable sinner, am Joyfully Lutheran. Because of Jesus. God’s love in Christ is the reason for joy. Grace, faith, forgiveness, suffering, learning, repenting, washing, eating, drinking, fellowship, mercy, life together — all joys in Christ.
Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances. In Christ Jesus. Amen.
https://joyfullylutheran.org
The 67th Convention of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod will be held July 20-25, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. Our Circuit delegates where selected at the Circuit Forum on October 14th. Rev Christopher Raffa from Pilgrim and Bob Beuhler from St. Andrews Church were selected. Rev. Marshal Frisque from St. John’s Fredonia and Henry Egerer from St. Mark’s Belgium are the pastoral and lay alternates. Please keep them in your prayers.

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From the ForT

Dear Pilgrim Lutheran,

Letter received September 28, 2018

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

From Austin and Beth Meier:
Hi everyone! We wanted to let you know how everything has been going thus far in regards to our seminary journey. Austin did wonderful in summer Greek and has officially become a first year Master of Divinity student. We live in a quaint duplex about a half mile from the seminary and Austin regularly bikes to the seminary. We have met so many wonderful people, and I go to a seminary women’s assembly event weekly on Tuesdays. During the summer the events were more get-togethers, but now during the school year they will mostly be classes taught by professors (so I can learn without the pressure of any of the homework Austin has!). Austin has started working in the IT department at the seminary and I am teaching people about what it means to be pro-life. We thank you guys so much for all your prayers and support.
God Bless, Beth Meier (262-370-5083)
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Lutheran Missions: Togo, Africa

Pastor Wildauer has been serving as a Career Missionary in Dapaong, Togo, West Africa since 2014. He teaches courses in Lutheran Theology at the Lutheran Center for Theological Studies (CLET), the seminary of the Lutheran Church of Toga. He and his wife, Robin, have four children: Samuel, Elizabeth, David, and Lydia. Robin writes and shares pictures of their life in Africa on a blog; the following is a selection of questions she is most often asked about living as missionaries in Africa.
Q. Do you like living in Africa?
No and YES. Someone with us at language school in France once said, “no one really likes living in Africa, we’re going because we’ve been called there.” I’ve thought this to be true so many times. This is God’s will, not ours. A lot of times our personal desires don’t like God’s will, but we are still called to do it. Most days I can’t stand the heat, bugs, dirt, things not working, etc. Yet, I do like living here. It’s home. It’s simple. It’s familiar. Two years ago, there wasn’t anything familiar about living in Africa, but now that we are back from [our trip to] the United States, everything is familiar. The food, the way we live, the songs we sing in French, the heat, the bugs, the dirt, the stores, the people. It’s all familiar. It’s what our kids know and understand best. And even though I don’t like the heat and things not working well, it’s still nice to be back with the people we've grown to love and care about. My favorite part of living here is our CLET family. All the students and their families mean a lot to us. Wherever you go there will be people to love.
Q. Is it what you thought it would be?
I had no idea what to think. I was quite open to whatever it would be like.
Q. What has been the hardest thing to overcome?
The fact that things don’t work as well here as they would in the United States. For example, the Internet, light and fan switches, plumbing, our truck. It’s extremely hard to find someone who really knows how to fix a problem. It’s really quite frustrating.
Q. And what has been the easiest?
Loving people. Everyone wants (and needs) to be loved here. They don’t have much else. While in the United States, we noticed among the general population how much focus was put on material goods (My! The amount of advertising Americans take in each day!) and not on the well-being of other people. We even fell into that trap ourselves. But here it’s easier to focus on the people more so than the material goods. Except for when the materials aren’t working right and you waste so much time trying to figure out how to get them to work right.
Cookies & More Cookies: Pilgrim’s LWML supports Pastor Wildauer’s work in Africa with the proceeds from their annual cookie sale. If you would like to help, please donate a double batch of your favorite cookies and deliver them to the church prior to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 8th. Cookies will be sold on Sunday, December 9th; the cost is $7 for a one-pound box of cookies. Thank you for baking, buying and enjoying the cookies.
Read more about the Wildauer’s life in Africa at
http://wildauersgototogo.blogspot.com/
Interested in financially supporting Pastor Wildauer, Pastor Wokoma, Pastor Preus, Pastor Conrad or another LCMS missionary? Mail your check, made payable to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and designated with the missionary’s name to:
LCMS
P.O. Box 790089
St. Louis, MO 63179-0089.
Additional details are available on the bulletin board in the narthex.

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Lutheran Missions: Africa

Rev. P.A. Richard-Wokoma has served as a LCMS theological educator in Africa since 2013. He also preaches and presents workshops to congregations and villages throughout Africa. He visited Pilgrim last year and shared the work being done in Africa to train native pastors. Below is his most recent newsletter.
Sorry for not sending this sooner. Apart from the three visiting professors who came to relieve me, my health was not in utmost condition... Over 30% of the students were down too. Theirs was thought to be due to suspected water contamination from a broken pipe. The expats suggested that a new bore hole be drilled for a sterilized well.
We started a new academic year on September 3 with intensives and three visiting professors:… Pr. Walter Steele and Pr. Thomas Olson stayed for two weeks, and Pr. Steve Briel stayed ten days longer than they did to further teach Advanced Hebrew (Hebrew language reading using the book of Jonah).
This got us off to a very good start. In any event, “Opening Service" was later in the month. The Rev’d (Prof) Steve Briel, preached during the Opening Service on September 30, 2018. An electric power generator bought by the students to help with reading at night... and some white boards donated by an anonymous donor were all dedicated during the Opening Service.
Visiting professors are utilized well. In addition to their regular teaching of intensive classes, they often preach for chapel and teach hymns to the students. Pr. Walter Steele preached for the first week, Pr. Thomas Olson preached the second week, and Pr. Steve Briel preached the third week. They also preached in the villages, and Pr. Thomas Olson performed a baptism in one of the villages.
Matriculation of new students was Saturday, September 29. Due to the drastic cut in financial support for the seminary, we had to turn back well over 20 students who passed both the written and oral entrance exams. This was over half the students we would have otherwise admitted.
On another note, with the drastic cutbacks to the support of the seminary, I had to focus more on how to manage with the students and survive on very little. Every available free time was used in the gardens to cultivate food. Some of you will relate to the work of gardening!
May the Triune God continue to keep you safe in the shadow of His Wings, even forevermore! Amen!
Sincerely in-Christ,
Fr. Wokoma.
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

Birthdays

1. Joanne Haller
2. Joanne Klumb
3. Jim Schmidt
4. Tom Greve
Cheryl Thill
5. Justin Krueger
6. Ashley Chapman
Andy Virchow
8. Ian Janssen
9. Jeremy Baerenwald
Meredith Janssen
Laura Susnik
Ron Virchow Sr.
10. Brittany Virchow
Rev. John Wille
12. Ross Weber
13. Bernadine Faul
Muriel Magnus
14. Hannah Hand
Georgia Janssen
Donna Tessar
15. Bernard Doyle
Wendy Franke
Bill Schepp
17. Beth Brehm
18. Courtney Zehetner
19. Janet Schellinger
Denise Spaeth
21. Carrie Mulvey
22. Carol Shay
23. Michael Krueger
25. Joan Prine
Mary Schauland
McKenna Schultz
26. Scott Densow
Matthew Kemeny
28. Beatrice Kiesow
Don Meisenheimer
29. Lucas Skrentny
30. Jeffrey Dahl
Tom Dembski

Anniversaries
1. Tom & Nicole Kabitzke
Bob & Sue Knuth
5. Jeff & Mallorie Held
8. Ken & Rita Frank
28. Jamie & Kathy Sullivan
30. Don & Cheryl Thill

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Communal Prayers:
If one members suffers, all suffer together, if one member is honored, all rejoice together” 1 Cor 12:26.

Prayer for the congregation’s children: O faithful God and Father, maker and upholder of all creatures: ...I heartily beseech You to grace… children with Your Holy Spirit, that He may kindle in them the true fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, and a good understanding, which if anyone practices it, his praise endures forever. Bless them with true knowledge of You; let them increase in the true, saving faith and in all godliness; and continue therein until their end. Give them a believing, obedient, humble heart with true wisdom and understanding, that they may grow and increase in stature and in favor with God and man. Oh, plant in their hearts a love for God’s Word, that they may be devout in prayer and worship, respectful to the servant of the Word, upright in their dealings with all men, modest in behavior, self-controlled in manner, true in words, faithful in works, diligent in labors, successful in carrying out their duty and office, judicious in their affairs, right in all things, and meek and kind to all men. Keep them from all the offenses of the wicked world, that they may not be led astray by bad company, fall into the mire of immodesty, unduly shorten their own lives, nor do harm to any other. Be their protection in all danger...through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Here Psalm 127 and 28 may be prayed.
Prayer when new authorities are to be elected: O almighty, merciful God and Father, You desire that Your people should be provide with just judges and officers, that Your law may be enforced according to Your entire pleasure: I beseech You heartily to give us leaders and rulers who inquire after Your will and are inclined with their whole heart so to govern Your people that Your praise and glory may be advanced and the common peace preserved; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer for the sick who are in tribulation: Lord God, heavenly Father, who have called us to pray for the sick: we beseech You through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You would redeem this Your child from sickness and from the devil’s bonds. Spare, dear Lord, their soul, which You by the shedding of Your dear Son Jesus Christ’s blood, purchased and saved from sin, death, and the power of the devil. Amen.
Prayer for the sick: Lord, look upon him who You love, and who loves You, who is sick. Oh, have mercy upon him! Help him, and he shall be helped in ody and soul. Amen.
Family and friends requesting our prayers: With this mind, we pray for the following people: Donna Tessar, Judy Clark, Ruth & Erv. Mertz, Kristin Thimmig, Gert Sullivan, Richard Fisher (Pastor Fisher’s father), Cynthia Kemeny, Jennifer Jensen, Jane Rockrohr, Rev. Edwin & Erma Suelflow, Audrey Vandlik, Don Meisenheimer, Tracey Leffin-Hedrick, Becky Ruppier, Diane Behrens, June Fry, Ray & Frances Neerhoff, Thomas Kramlik (Don & Janet Meisenheimer’s great-grandson), Suzanne Stadelmayer, Happy Bartes (friend of Jeff Barger), Natalie Ruppier, Chris Held, Eric Johanen, Paul Grosskreuz, Orville Heckendorf, Brooke Steiner, David & Olivemae Olson, Jeanette Guillaume, Karen Haufmann, Donald & Annetta Teske (Suzanne Stadelmayer’s parents), Nancy Nicholas, Donna Tessar, Scot Meisenheimer, Dorothy Young, Wilma Wilson (Linda Stahl’s mother), Ruth Mertz, Carolyn Bren, Judy Clark, Dorothy Miller, Mark Selzler, Linda Lukas, Marissa Flanders, Linda Schmidt, George Witt, Jenny Vickerman, Donna Sommer, Scott Biskobing, Laverne Gierach, Travis Winkler, Linda Borneman, Rachel Davis, Brian Vonlender, Glenn Schnabel, Inez Schwoch, Richard Reich, Judith Belling, Vanessa Kuehne, and Jody Meisenheimer.
(The above prayers are from Lutheran Prayer Companion, CPH, October 2018)

Voice of Faith

November 2018 — Page #

November 2018				1 / 9a Bible Study / 4p Cable Worship / 7p Divine Service / Usher Team B	2	3 / 1p Knitters
4 / 8 & 10:30a Divine Service Usher Team 5&6 / 9:15a Bible Study & Sunday School / 10:15a Youth Choir Practice / 12:30p Bible Study	5 / 4p Chapel @ / Jackson Crossing / 6:30p Elders	6 / 2p Chapel @ Auxiliary Court / 7p Festival Choir Practice	7 / 9:30a Chapel @ Meadowbrook / 4p Cable BC / 4p Catechism / 5:30p Youth Choir Practice / 6:30p Bible Study / 7p Dartball	8 / 9a Bible Study / 4p Cable Worship / 7p Divine Service / Usher Team A	9	10 / 7:30a Men’s / Breakfast / 8a Card Making / 9a Altar Guild: Fall Cleaning & Meeting
11 / 8 & 10:30a Divine Service Usher Team 5&6 / 9:15a Bible Study & Sunday School / 10:15a Youth Choir Practice / 12:30p Bible Study / 5:30p Walther League	12 / 5:30p Trustees / 7p Council	13 / 8a—12p Pastors at Circuit Meeting / 9a Intimidating / Blueberries / 2p Chapel @ Auxiliary Court / 7p Festival Choir / Practice	14 / 9a Quilters / 4p Cable BC / 4p Catechism / 5:30p Youth Choir Practice / 6:30p Bible Study / 7p Dartball / 7p Ties That Bind Quilt Guild	15 / 9a Bible Study / 4p Cable Worship / 7p Divine Service / Usher Team B	16	17 / 1p Knitters
18 / 8 & 10:30a Divine Service Usher Team 5&6 / 9:15a Bible Study & Sunday School / 10:15a Youth Choir Practice / 12:30p Bible Study	19 / December Herald Deadline	20 / 12p Ladies Guild/ LWML / 2p Chapel @ Auxiliary Court / 7p Festival Choir / Practice	21 / 9:30a Chapel @ / Meadowbrook / 4p Cable BC / 6p Thanksgiving Divine Service / User Team A / No Catechism, Youth Choir or Bible Study	22 / 9a Thanksgiving Divine Service / Usher Team 4 / 12p Thanksgiving Potluck / 4p Cable Worship / No 7p Divine Service	23	24 / 7:30a Men’s / Breakfast
25 / 8 & 10:30a Divine Service Usher Team 5&6 / 9:15a Bible Study & Sunday School / 10:15a Youth Choir Practice / 12:30p Bible Study	26	27 / 9a Book Study / 2p Chapel @ Auxiliary Court / 7p Festival Choir / Practice	28 / 9a Quilters / 4p Cable BC / 4p Catechism / 5:30p Youth Choir Practice / 6:30p Bible Study / 7p Dartball	29 / 9a Bible Study / 9a Chapel @ Ivy / Manor I-III / 4p Cable Worship / 7p Divine Service / Usher B	30	Pilgrim Evangelical / Lutheran Church

Office Closed on Fridays

5:30p / 6p Salt & Light Debate Club Fundraiser

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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@pilgrimlutheran.wb.org
Website: www.pilgrimlutheran-westbend.org

Weekly Bible Study Opportunities:
Sundays:
9:15 a.m. Book of Proverbs
9:15 a.m. Sunday School for children age 3 through 8th grade
12:30 p.m. Book of Ecclesiastes
Wednesdays:
4:00 p.m. Youth Catechism Classes for students in grades 5th—8th
6:30 p.m. The Lutheran Difference
Thursdays:
9:00 a.m. The Gospel of Luke
Monthly Bible Study Opportunities:
2nd Sunday: 5:30 p.m. Walther League
3rd Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. Book Study
Every other Saturday: 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study
Join Us for Live-Streaming of the Divine Service: Sundays at 8:00 a.m. on our website: www.pilgrimlutheran-westbend.org

Financial Statement Ending September 30, 2018
September Income:	28,567.07
September Expenses:	25,616.77
Year-to-Date Income:	229,634.67
Year-to-Date Expenses:	234,787.61
Designated Funds Savings Account:
Amazon Balance:	180.93
Tuition Assistance:	0.00
General Savings Funds:	2,400.00
Accrued Interest:	73.59
	Total: 2,654.52
Fred Leffin, Treasurer

Treasurer’s Report

Second suggestion we by Tanner Schmidt is raise their wages to 85% rather than 84% and no annuities. The second suggestion was motion to be voted on by Ken Frank and Dan Shay seconded it, majority passed. The new budget for 2019 was motioned to pass by Jim Roerdink and seconded by Tanner Schmidt

NEW BUDGET 2019: Presented by Dan Shay. Budget motioned to be accepted by Rita Frank and Dennis Engmann seconded it. Two amendments suggested for the new budget. One, Jim Behrens suggest we bring numbers closer to it looks better even though we normally go by percentages Pastor Fisher up to $1000 and $1000 and $2000 for annuities for the pastors or give them 4% more for 4 years with no guarantee to budget.

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Inside this Issue:
Pilgrim News & Reports
3-6
Ask the Pastors
7
Lutheran News
8
From the Fort
9
Lutheran Missions
10-11
Birthdays & Anniversaries
11
Communal Prayers
12
Calendar
13

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The time we spend with our children is well spent, not because we teach them all there is to know, but because they absorb from the Catechism the foundation and outline of the Biblical faith, because they grow in their ability to perceive all of life from God’s perspective. Not merely the inculcating of a set of doctrines or ideas, but a way of life, is what we are about when we instruct the young and the old in the Catechism.
- Teaching God’s Children His Teaching, Robert Kolb, pg.23-24

Jack and Helen were not perfect parents, but they did the best they could do when rearing their children. They made sure church was a part of their children’s weekly life. All of them were baptized and confirmed. They were at Sunday School and weekly church services. They trained up their children in the way they should go, as Proverbs 22 says. And now that they are old, one has departed from it.
For Jack and Helen, it more than disappointing; it’s a deep ache that won’t go away. They stress over if and how they have failed as parents. They’re worried sick not only about their children, but about their grandchildren who are growing up unbaptized, untaught, with little or no knowledge of God and what He’s done for us in Christ. These parents are far from alone. Scattered throughout the church are moms and dads whose greatest disappointment in life is that their children have seemingly abandoned the faith. And they’re all wondering the same things: Where did we go wrong as parents. And what can we do to bring our children back to church?
This is a heavy cross to bear, with no easy fix. But perhaps some thoughts might prove helpful. This is not a to-do list. Nor is it exhaustive. It is written for your consolation and encouragement as you bear this cross.
w The water of baptism never evaporates. If your children were baptized, either as infants or when they were older, they cannot be unbaptized. God the Father made them His children in that Gospel-saturated water. And because He did it, it remains a perfect, saving work. They can try and walk away from their baptism, but that’s as impossible as walking away from gravity. Yes, sadly they can deny or reject what God has done for them in these saving waters, but even then, the fact that they are baptized as God’s son or daughter remains true as ever.
w Even tiny faith has the full Christ. One of the most comforting verses in all of Scripture is Isaiah 42:3, “A bruised reed He will not break; and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out.” Our Father is not the kind of God who weeds people out of His kingdom who don’t have faith that is quite up to par. Quite the opposite. Bruised reeds and smoldering wicks are especially beloved of God because of their fragility. He leaves the ninety-nine sheep to scour the hills for a single, lost lamb. Your child is precious to God. And even if a spark of faith remains, that spark holds within it the full fire of the Father’s forgiveness.
w Your Christian Life Makes an Impact. When children stop going to church, their parents must not. Children won’t admit it, but the sheer fact of their parents continued fidelity to Christ means so much. Never downplay the impact that your example provides to your children, even if they are grown and leading lives of their own. You are still there mom and dad. And there is within most us an eye that never completely stops looking to our parents for guidance, for love, for approval, for acceptance. Even in the worst case scenario, if our children don’t believe anymore, let us continue to believe, to pray, to be an example for them.
w Grace alone will sustain and heal both parents and children. God’s grace is not just for your children, it is for you as well. Those bruises on your soul that no one can see, where you perhaps have beat yourself up about your children straying from the church, Christ’s body and blood is a healing medicine for them. Chances are, even if your actions had nothing to do with your children’s decisions, you still feel like you share part of the blame. The full grace of Christ covers all your guilt, real and false. Remember, you have a parent too, a heavenly Father, whose love and concern for you is boundless. You are and will ever remain His child. And your children are and will ever remain His children.
In Christ, Pastor Raffa
“but God shows his love for us in that
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8

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