2022 Spring Lamplighter

LAMPLIGHTER Spring 2022

Reflections on Nine Years of Ministry

by Pastor Kyle Bitter You can only experience something for the first time once. That’s true of everything in life, but it’s especially true in ministry. A teacher only has one first class and will always remember it as such. In the same way, a pastor only has one first congregation. No matter what else the Lord gives me the opportunity to do in however many more years he allows me to serve in pastoral ministry, St. John’s will always be that first congregation – the place where I learned how to be a pastor. As I reflect on the nine years I have been privileged to serve at St. John’s, I have to marvel at the blessings God has given in placing me here. St. John’s has been a wonderful place for me to have that first parish ministry experience. A complete list of blessings would run far beyond scope of an article like this one, but what follows are a few broad examples of the many memories I will have from serving at St. John’s.

It’s been a blessing to see God working as he brings together such a varied and talented group of people to collaborate on his work. It’s hard for me to imagine a more talented, dedicated, and fun mix of pastors, teachers, and staff members to serve with. On top of that, I’ve been continually amazed over the years at the time and commitment so many lay people offer to their church for no reward other than the joy of serving their Savior alongside fellow Christians. Whether it’s seen in the quiet words of encouragement, the humbling

displays of generosity, or countless hours of labor as a volunteer, it’s been such a privilege to work alongside so many children of God to proclaim and appreciate and share what our Savior has done for us.

It’s also been a blessing to see God working to inspire his people to pursue ministry with excellence. I’ve enjoyed seeing how at St. John’s, that’s not just a lofty goal. It’s a goal accompanied by the support and sacrifice needed to make it a reality. I’ve appreciated serving at a congregation that has been willing to pay for enough called workers and support staff to allow ministry to be done in a truly excellent way. This level of support allowed me to fully maximize the time and energy I spend on the tasks a pastor is uniquely trained to do, whether that’s thorough preparation for sermons, catechism classes, and Bible studies or the development of various ministry initiatives designed to serve many people in many ways. In the early years of ministry, such support provided me with the extra preparation time needed to develop preaching and teaching abilities. As the years passed and my proficiency in such tasks increased, that same support provided by the congregation allowed me the time needed to develop various congregational goals toward their full potential.

I’m confident God’s blessings will continue to flow. continued on page 2 . . .

Pastor’s Corner

How Can You Support Your Pastor?

by Pastor Eric Schroeder I’ll start by saying that in general, St. John’s congregation has done a fine job of supporting pastors. I know I haven’t been here as long as many members, but there seems to be a tradition here of honoring called workers and our families. Compensation is adequate. A number of people go out of their way on a regular basis to check in and ask how we’re doing, and I believe that they are sincere. In the overall ministry plan, steps have been taken in recent years to add support staff and additional positions so that pastors have the time to focus more on pastoral care and less on miscellaneous duties, and teachers have additional resources at school that help accomplish the overall mission that we share.

Of course, such a level of commitment (not to mention the societal changes that have resulted from a pandemic) have presented some challenges that every St. John’s member can address. Our volunteer participation has taken a big hit. In-person attendance at worship is not what it used to be, and we’ve noticed a drop in Bible study and Sunday school participation. Some revenue streams have diminished, which adds a level of uncertainty to financial planning since we don’t know how long income levels might take to recover. For pastors and leaders in the congregation, these can be discouraging times.

I don’t say any of this to complain. I know we are not the only ones feeling it. I know things are tough all over.

But here’s my response to the question I was asked to answer. How can you support your pastor? Partner with us in ministry. If it’s just been convenience or life priorities keeping you away, come back to church; make it a twohour event by attending Bible study and Sunday school.

Come to a congregational meeting every now and then, both to stay informed and to add your perspective to important discussions. Take part in outreach events and show our community what you appreciate about being part of this church family. Volunteer some time in one of the many opportunities for serving your fellow members.

Help one another and share in the joy of what God has planned for us to do together.

Oh, and don’t do any of that just to support me. It’s good for you, it gives glory to God, it strengthens our church, and it serves our neighbors.

To do ministry well, it takes all of us.

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Pastor’s Corner

continued from front page . . .

Working with the many young people in our church over the last nine years has given me a tremendous sense of optimism – not only for the future of St. John’s, but also for the future of our whole church body. It’s been encouraging to see so many young men and women grow up with a willingness to serve their Savior in all kinds of different ways, and it’s been equally encouraging to see how the congregation as a whole supports these efforts. The young people at St. John’s enjoy the ongoing support of their families, church leaders, called workers, and so many others who have demonstrate time and again their own dedication to preparing the next generation of Christians for leadership and life in future years.

God has provided so many blessings that there isn’t enough space here to recount them. It’s been a privilege to serve as pastor at St. John’s for nine years.

Even as I am sad to leave, I am confident in what the future will continue to hold: continued and undeserved blessings from our gracious God.

Memorials In Memory of Ray Konkol From Jesus & Susan Mariscal (undesignated) In Memory of Drexel Hansen From Betty Seidel (property acquisition) In Memory of Angie Lynn & John Ailey From Bruce & Karoline Ailey (Jr. Choir) In Memory of Robert Hahn From Annette Birkholz (property) In Memory of Marion Schweitzer (Paula Rauth’s mother) From Mike & Marlene Cox (handbells)

Coordinating Council

Adjusted Plans, Unadjusted Commitment

by Pastor Joel Leyrer Like the year that preceded it, this past year called for adjustments and adaptations to our ministry plans. What remained unadjusted was the commitment—under God’s grace and guidance—to carry out our dual mission of nurturing God’s people and reaching out to others with the soul-saving message of Jesus Christ.

On January 23, we observed our annual Mission and Ministry Sunday and held our “State of the Parish” presentation between services. The entire presentation can be viewed at sjtosa.org/StateoftheParish; highlights of each Board’s report follow.

For the Executive Board, 2021 saw the expansion of our campus footprint with the acquisition of the property to our west. In 2022, the Executive Board will carry on its work with the Long-Range Planning Committee to determine how this property fits into the goal of making our long-range planning a short-term reality.

The Board of Elders oversaw the purchase and introduction of Christian Worship, the new blue hymnal (not to be confused with the old red hymnal of the same name). Worship will also be an emphasis for the Board of Elders in 2022 as they restart usher and greeter schedules, review policies and procedures, and continue to support members returning to in-person worship and Bible study.

Through the restructuring of our Early Learning Center in 2021, the Board of Education offered parents many options for K2, K3, and K4 programs. Waiting lists for our K2 and K3 programs are a good indicator for the Board of Education as they seek to meet their goal of increasing school enrollment, both by improving retention of current students and by recruiting new students.

The Board of Discipleship continued to offer various spiritual growth opportunities, including the resumption of in-person Sunday School and Sermon Study Growth Groups and the fifth year of By Scripture Alone. Watch for more information in 2022, as the Board of Discipleship encourages in-person attendance at these—and possibly additional—church discipleship opportunities.

The Board of Outreach truly reached out to our Wauwatosa community through its first-ever community clean-up event. As you consider ways you can serve in 2022, be sure to keep an eye out for opportunities from the Board of Outreach as they seek to add new events and fill gaps on the Outreach calendar.

Assisting and encouraging members was a focus for the Board of Stewardship in 2021 as they held an Estate Planning Seminar and a fall Leadership Summit. In order to continue being wise managers of our gifts, the Board of Stewardship will conduct a statistical review of our giving patterns in 2022 to better understand the financial support provided by St. John’s members.

Our Properties Coordinator orchestrated several technology upgrades, including a new phone system at church and school and upgraded broadcast systems for online worship and Bible study. These upgrades will continue in 2022 with a much-needed update of our security and fire protection systems at church.

In 2021, our Communications Coordinator dealt with all the information above—and more—as she partnered with various Boards to promote and publicize their work and events. Through a planned redesign of the church website and ongoing enhancements for the St. John’s Spotlight, members will be informed of leadership plans and priorities through various venues.

The meeting concluded with a report on potential ministry-driven campus enhancements by our LongRange Planning Committee. Expanding our campus by razing the house we purchased directly west of the church proper opens more possibilities on how we can better accomplish our future ministry goals, especially in the area of an expanded early childhood program.

As we reflect on God’s grace and guidance, thank him for the blessings of the year past and pray for his benediction upon our plans to honor him through our ministry goals in the year to come.

Coordinating Council

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Board of Elders

Choir Memories At the end of 2021, Dr. Bill Braun retired from directing the St. John’s adult choir.

To celebrate his nearly three decades of service to St. John’s, we invited his current and former choir members to share their memories of Bill. We also highlighted Bill’s service with the January 2022 “St. John’s Spotlight”; it can be viewed at www.sjtosa.org/Spotlight.

The Lutheran church has historically been a liturgical church. This means that among other things, Sunday themes are drawn from pre-planned readings of the lectionary, and services are built around those themes.

When it came to incorporating the musical talents of the congregation into such worship services through the choir and various instrumentalists, Bill’s ability as a composer was a tremendous blessing to St. John’s.

I don’t know how many people realized how much music Bill arranged and composed for the choir.

If he didn’t already have musical selections that fit with the liturgical theme of the day, he would arrange them or write them. What a blessing!

—Pastor Kyle Bitter I’ll remember Bill’s enthusiasm for the music. He would share obscure facts about the composers so we would have more insight into what caused the composer to write what he did. Bill challenged us with difficult music as well as easier things so we could continue to grow as a choir. He did an outstanding job of edifying the service with music that fit the theme for the day and moved the Christian heart.

—Steve Stern

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Board of Elders

Bill, you have done so much to bless me and our church with your considerable musical gifts and talent. Your love, joy, and enthusiasm in sharing music with us has always been evident. I’ve felt you had confidence that we could accomplish whatever piece of music you set before us. (Some of us, I think, had our doubts about that at times!) You inspired us to do our best. Thank you for helping us to beautify our worship!

—Jean Stern

One time I was playing timpani for a couple of pieces.

Rehearsals were smooth with no concerns. During the 8:00 a.m. service, unbeknownst to myself, I had mixed up my music and started playing timpani for the wrong song. Timpani mistakes are loud mistakes. I was happily playing my part, so into it I wasn’t noticing.

I finally caught Bill’s eye while he was conducting.

His look to me wasn’t angry. His expression was more along the lines of “I truly do not know what you’re doing, but you’re so deep into it now I certainly can’t help you.”

Between songs I realized what I did and basically replayed the same song properly a few minutes later.

Bill just nodded and smiled. I still laugh out loud when I think of that day.

—Michael Skocir

Board of Elders Simply put, Bill inspired us to sing! His enthusiasm was contagious, and what delighted us was when we delighted him. By this I mean, when we got things right, his smile reached from the balcony down to the pews!

He desired our best and always welcomed our pleas to go over a difficult phrase which made the given song sound richer and fuller. He never said no to these requests and even welcomed them! Another strong memory is how his accompanying instrumentalists were always of the highest caliber, which made for all around wonderful music. Simply put again, Bill loves his music and he loved us. As we tried our best to sing our best, it was an amazing privilege to watch his careful direction.

He is a music master, and for many years St. John’s was blessed to enjoy his expert choral skills. He will be greatly missed—by me and by many others!

—Mary Schmal

Dear Bill, I can’t thank you enough for your time as choir director. It has been pure joy singing in the choir under your direction. There is something extra special when we not only learn and sing beautiful songs to the Lord but sing songs edited and arranged by you. I’m truly going to miss your unwavering confidence in our group. Thank you for all of the fun over the years.

—Samantha Daley It was a joy and a privilege to join the St. John’s choir under Bill’s direction. He introduced us to challenging and fun pieces and passed along his enthusiasm and vast knowledge of music history at every practice.

I enjoyed being part of the unique choir traditions of the Good Friday Passion and the Reformation concertos. Though we will miss Bill’s leadership, his choir legacy will live on at St. John’s!

—Kathryn Hendee

I first re-joined the St. John’s choir (originally a member of Junior Choir, 1961-65) in 1990. Occasionally the choir has had a member who, probably thinking he or she was offering a suggestion, actually was trying to correct the director. After one of these uncomfortable instances, when talking to Bill after rehearsal, I said, “I was taught that the director is God.” But Bill has never acted like that. His patience, persistence, and eagerness to help any member of the choir hear the right note or understand a particular direction have been extraordinary, and have never failed. Somehow, even if one agrees or disagrees, or likes or dislikes a particular piece of music, Bill’s winsomeness always pays off, ad maiorem Dei gloriam.

—Paul Lehninger I am so appreciative of Bill’s vast music history knowledge and choral instruction and conducting skills. All I’ve ever learned about choral singing comes from Bill! Thank you for the wisdom and joy you imparted to generations of singers and musicians.

—Becky Rehborg

Dr. Braun was also a professor and head of the music department at Wisconsin Lutheran College, on top of his accomplishments as a musician. I remember the day he said to me, “Carolyn, I think it’s about time you called me Bill.” Maybe it was the student-teacher relationship that demanded I call him “doctor,” but his humble, servant leadership made me realize we were now, more importantly, friends. You cannot find that servant leadership in the secular world. He always reminded us that our music was for God’s glory. And, that no better music could be found than from the master himself, Johann Sebastian Bach. Thanks for your friendship and the memories, Bill.

—Carolyn Sachs Board of Elders

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Board of Elders

New Liturgy or Old?

by Kristi Meyer When was our liturgy born? In fall 2021, with the release of the new hymnal? In 1888, with the establishment of the Common Service: the first service used widely

by American Lutherans? In 1523 and 1526, with Martin Luther’s reform of the Roman Catholic Church’s liturgy?

In 1054, with the schism between the Eastern and Western Churches and the subsequent widespread use of the Western Rite?

All of these answers have some validity. Christian Worship is indeed a hymnal unique to WELS, but its liturgy — The Service — is more broadly Lutheran. And although this liturgy is based on the Western Rite, its origins are far older.

The early Christian Church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42) — as do we.

“Consider the Scripture readings, the sermon, creed, prayers, offering, Sacrament, hymns, and everything else that makes up a worship service,” says Pastor Kyle Bitter. “You will see these same four activities from the first century persisting in worship today.”

In services with communion, these activities are grouped into two main parts: the “Word” section and the “Sacrament” section.

“There are two high points as Jesus comes to his people. The first high point is the reading of the Gospel, which is often the words of Jesus.

The second is the distribution of Holy Communion, where we receive Jesus’ body and blood.” —Pastor Bitter Recognizing this pattern helps worshipers understand various aspects of The Service. For example, the Prayer of the Church – a prayer for the Christian Church at large – occurs at the very end of the “Word” section.

In contrast, the Lord’s Prayer is historically part of the “Sacrament” section, thus these two prayers are separated in services with communion. And in other services?

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Board of Elders

Pastor Bitter clarifies: “Putting the Lord’s Prayer with the prayers at the end of non-communion services creates a more consistent parallel between services with and without communion.”

Other aspects of The Service undo changes made

by American Lutherans. The 1888 Common Service admirably served its purpose of providing a common English-language Lutheran liturgy. But in some ways, the Common Service also departed from historic Lutheranism. “The Service seeks to unwind some of these changes and return to a service that’s more parallel with Lutheranism around the world,” says Pastor Bitter.

For example, the placement of the Kyrie after Confession and Absolution restores the concept of praying for blessing in a sinful world. Having the offering follow the Prayer of the Church reflects the original practice of offerings being the bread and wine for the Lord’s Supper, thus moving directly from the offering of these elements to the “Sacrament” portion of the service. The inclusion of the Prayer of Thanksgiving completes the concept introduced in the phrases of the Preface: it is right to give God thanks and praise. And the elimination of the Nunc Dimittis – never a part of the Western Rite – returns this song to its traditional place in evening worship services.

As you continue to become more familiar with The Service, watch for the two parts of the service. Look for the two high points as our Savior comes to us in the Gospel and the Sacrament. And remember your connection to the Christian Church at large and centuries of faithful worshipers who have gone before.

Board of Education

What is a Pioneer?

By Jen Wolf When you think of a pioneer, you might be thinking of covered wagons and log cabins. You might think of a break-through inventor that changed the way we live.

Or maybe you’re thinking of your elementary-age daughter who spends every other Tuesday building Christian friendships through a variety of activities.

You’d be right on all three, but let’s talk about our Girl Pioneers.

“We plan a variety of events from learning about church volunteer opportunities to making pinewood derby cars and everything in between,” says Kim. “We always have fun and learn something new.”

“I like Girl Pioneers because we always have fun with friends, do fun activities like making fall candle holders, and have a yummy snack,” said Maddy Greggs.

“I like Pioneers because I love spending time with my friends outside of class,” said Evelyn Dodd.

“LGP strives to help each girl become a happy, confident and useful member of her church, school, home and community,” states the official WELS LGP website.

By exploring a variety of activities and spending time together, the girls at St. John’s are finding ways to grow their minds and their church.

If you’d like more information, please contact the church office at 414-258-7831 or church@sjtosa.org.

Lutheran Girl Pioneers (LGP) Caravan #33, led by Kim Dvorachek, Jen Wolf and Lisa Dodd, is made up of 1st-5th grade girls of St. John’s Church families. These girls have a special fellowship opportunity to learn new skills and have fun. Every evening begins with a devotion and ends with a treat. It’s a great time for the girls and satisfying for the leaders who get to lead a fun and diverse bunch of pioneers.

Board of Education Casey Holtz, chair

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Greg Beyer

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Nick Cutting

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Luke Sankey

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Troy Schulz

Board of Education

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Board of Elders

Pastor Bitter: Always Our Close and Personal Shepherd

by Christian Wilick Tutor. Pastor. And now Professor. Since his graduation from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Pastor Bitter has served in so many different functions, and I’ve been privileged to see it all.

So let me share with you the story of Pastor Bitter’s influence on me in an effort to help you remember your stories with him too.

Pastor Bitter’s 2003 graduation from Luther Preparatory School, Watertown

I first knew Pastor Bitter as “Tutor Bitter” at Luther Preparatory School (LPS). It was his first year of ministry and my first year of training for ministry.

Right away he inspired a love for language in me with his Latin class and showed me what a pastoral heart looked like up close as he became a friend to several students—myself included.

Sadly, though, tutor calls are temporary. His next call day came . . . and you can imagine my surprise and excitement when I learned that he’d be staying close, closer than close, called to your home congregation and mine: St. John’s, Wauwatosa!

2007 graduation from Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn.

Pastor Bitter was a great fit at St. John’s right away—evidence of the divine call at work. I will never forget participating in youth events at his encouragement and having such a blast, or joining him and those close friends from LPS for game nights at his house, or singing with our “quarantine choir” at his invitation during our two months of online-only worship. Most of all, as a pastor-in-training myself, I am grateful to have learned from him for my first-ever experience teaching last year’s 7th-grade Catechism class.

It felt like coming full circle for me —not only was I teaching where I once sat as a grade schooler, but I was also learning from “Tutor Bitter” again.

I loved every second of it.

2011 graduation from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon

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Board of Elders

Board of Elders

Pastor Bitter has attended so many of my life events, such as preaching at my mom’s wedding to my dad John and attending my first call service to be a vicar. He is in every respect a pastor, modeling well along with all our pastors at St. John’s just what it means to be a close and personal shepherd over God’s flock. And he won’t cease to be that.

God will use Pastor Bitter to be all those things now to train up our kids at LPS, to encourage them as he encouraged me, to raise up generations of called workers or lay leaders and so exponentially increase that beautiful gospel influence which he has modeled.

2013 Call Day, when Pastor Bitter was assigned to St. John’s, Tosa

Pastor Bitter, God will use you exactly as you are to continue to be a blessing — it’s his call, after all, and God doesn’t make mistakes. He knows and does what is best for us always.

So Tutor, Pastor, and now Professor: on behalf of all your family at St. John’s, thank you for the many wonderful years you have devoted to us.

May God continue to make you a blessing now not only for us, but also for generations to come.

Blessings, brother!

The Bitter family

High school days at Luther Preparatory School

Board of Elders

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School Events Grade School Spelling Bee, Boys B1 first place in the Trinity (Caledonia) tournament, Girls A team first place in the Hales Corners Lutheran Wildcat Invitational Basketball Tournament, and Grade School Geography Bee

“Good Things” at St. John’s Three Good Things That Will Happen 1.

We will celebrate the service of Pastor Kyle Bitter as he transitions from St. John’s to his newlyaccepted call at Luther Preparatory School.

Pastor Bitter’s last weekend at St. John’s will be April 23 & 24; watch for more information and details coming soon.

2.

We will introduce a new musical setting of the liturgy in our weekend worship services. We’ve been singing liturgical songs from this setting throughout February, and we’ll use the full liturgy for the first time the weekend of March 5 & 6.

3.

We will host the Metro Milwaukee Lutheran Teachers’ Conference on Thursday, March 3.

This conference brings together grade-school teachers from across the Milwaukee area and features worship, spiritual and academic keynote presentation, and small-group presentations.

Two Good Things That Happened 1.

We hosted our Early Learning Center (ELC) Open House. This year’s restructuring of the ELC, along with the addition of K2 classes, has helped to grow the program and increase retention of students.

2.

We held our annual Mission & Ministry Sunday and State of the Parish presentation. This weekend gives us the opportunity to celebrate the many ways God has richly blessed St. John’s and recommit ourselves to the ministry we carry out in his name.

One Good Thing That You Might Not Know About 1. Our 4th-grade students were featured on the January edition of the WELS Kids Connection.

Our students sang the “Fruit of the Spirit” song that pairs with St. John’s member Mary Schmal’s Children of the Light books. Check out the recording at www.childrenofthelightbooks.com!

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Board of Discipleship

Turning Down Time into Word Time

by Kristi Meyer

“There’s an app for that.” How true. If you’re anything like the average user, you have 80 apps installed on your mobile device, and you spend between two and three hours each day using those apps. So why am I bothering to write an article introducing you to yet another app?

Because this one is different.

Although I had heard of the WELS app, I wasn’t really familiar with it – and I certainly didn’t have it installed on my phone – before sitting down to write this article.

But after installing and playing with this app, I’m hooked.

The resources offered by the WELS app fall into two basic categories: devotional and informational. Devotional resources include daily devotions (both for individuals and for families), marriage moment videos, and worship helps for the upcoming Sunday of the church year. Informational resources range from WELS news blurbs and Forward in Christ articles to the WELS yearbook and weekly call report.

If you’re looking to strengthen your devotional life but aren’t sure how, the WELS app is the perfect place to start. “Everywhere you look, people today are killing time by pulling out their phones,” said Pastor Eric Schroeder.

“So why not put that time to good use? Fill the otherwise empty time spent waiting for someone or something with something that’s meaningful – something that strengthens your relationship with God.” I’ll admit it: Pastor Schroeder’s response gave me pause.

I was taught that devotional time should be reverent time, time set aside to spend with God and his Word.

To be honest, the idea of doing a devotion while standing in the return line at Target kind of rubbed me the wrong way at first. But as Pastor Schroeder kept talking, I warmed to the idea. “Any time becomes reverent when it’s time with God and his Word,” he said. “It’s a matter of reclaiming our daily walk with God. There’s no bad time to do a devotion. The best time to do anything in God’s Word is right now, whenever right now happens to be.”

Giving you the ability to do a devotion whenever you have your phone with you (and really, when don’t you have our phone with you?) is one of the great things about the WELS app. Another is the variety of resources the app offers. Whether you just want to read a single Bible verse or prefer to work through a longer section of Scripture, whether you just want to read God’s Word or are instead looking for a more scripted devotion, the WELS app offers all of these.

It’s OK if you’ve previously started – and subsequently stopped – a devotional program. “Instead of feeling guilty, shift your thinking to ‘maybe that’s just not my preferred devotional mode,’” said Pastor Schroeder.

“There are different modes for different personalities and different lifestyles. It’s a matter of finding what works best for you.” And the WELS app can help you find that.

So the next time you find yourself reaching for your phone without a clear objective, check out the WELS app at wels.app. It’ll help you turn down time into Word time – and time spent in the Word is never time wasted.

Board of Discipleship

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Board of Elders

Worship Opportunities Sundays in Lent Crushed Wednesday, March 2 – Self-Righteousness is Crushed

by Repentance (Ash Wednesday) March 6 – Our Temptation is Crushed

by Christ’s Obedience March 13 – Shortcuts are Crushed by Determination March 20 – False Security is Crushed

by Faithful Presence March 27 – Our Condemnation is Crushed

by God’s Grace April 3 – Human Rejection is Crushed

by Divine Exaltation Midweek Lent Services The Crucial Hours Wednesdays, March 9 – April 6 3:30 & 6:45 p.m.

Sundays in Easter Victorious April 17 – Life Marches Victorious Over Death (Easter Sunday) April 24 – Witness Marches Victorious Over Restraint May 1 – Sight Marches Victorious Over Blindness May 8 – Fulfilled Works March Victorious Over Empty Words May 15 – Selfless Love Marches Victorious Over Self-Glorification May 22 – Joy Marches Victorious Over Circumstance Thursday, May 26 – Power From Heaven Marches Victorious to the Ends of the Earth (Ascension) May 29 – Unity Marches Victorious in Diversity

Holy Week April 10 – His Humility, Our Hope (Palm Sunday) April 14 – His Food, Our Fill (Holy Thursday) April 15 – His Punishment, Our Peace (Good Friday)

Membership Changes

Pastoral Acts

NEW MEMBERS

BY TRANSFER Benjamin & Kelsey Bondow, Lucy from St. John’s, Mukwonago, WI

ASLEEP IN THE LORD Ida Yorde

MEMBERS LEAVING

BY TRANSFER Hailey Anderson to Morning Star, Jackson, WI Janice Hansen to Bloomington Lutheran, Bloomington, MN Emily Meckstroth, Connor & Caleb Hedden, Elsie & Jack Meckstroth to Victory of the Lamb, Franklin, WI Marcus & Karah Radue, Caroline & Mason to Christ the Lord, Brookfield, WI Hannah Tremaine to St. James, Milwaukee, WI

January 3, 2022

BAPTISMS Myla Marie Leyrer November 17, 2021 Kamari Amir White December 19, 2021 Cameron Kyle Doberstein January 16, 2022 Dale Wright Jurney II January 16, 2022 Adelaide Ruth Tietz January 23, 2022 Melody Ellen Warnke February 6, 2022 Evelyn Marie Meeuwsen February 6, 2022 Rachael Audrey Meeuwsen February 6, 2022 MARRIAGES Mike Williams & Alex Scheibe October 30, 2021 Ted Kuklinski & Kirstin (Haakenson) Lavin January 15, 2022

RELEASED BY REQUEST Erin Thomas

Board of Elders Greg Martin, chair

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Dave Allerheiligen

Board of Elders

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John Frailing

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Terry Paul

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John Peterman

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Brian Treichel