60 years of presenting “Sermons in Songs”

“What makes our group so special,” says Levi Nagel, “and why it has been such a success for 60 years, is that we proclaim the truths of Scripture through the beautiful art form of choral music. . . . When one attends our concerts, they hear a message about the wonders of God through Jesus our Savior. Concert-goers hear this through many different styles of church music, from classical pieces to African-American spirituals-there’s something for everyone!” 

Nagel is speaking of The Lutheran Chorale of Milwaukee, of which he currently serves as assistant director. The Lutheran Chorale of Milwaukee includes 64 members who hail from about 30 Milwaukee-area churches. The chorale presents two full-length concerts each year-one near Christmas and one in the spring-and also sings for special services. This year’s spring concert will mark the chorale’s 60th anniversary. It will be performed April 22 at 1:30 and 4 p.m. at Grace, Milwaukee, Wis.  

Mary Prange, the chorale’s director for 25 years, notes, “The chorale has changed very little over the 60 years of its existence. The biggest change has probably been the emergence of extremely capable WELS instrumentalists who have added their talents to the concerts. The motto of the chorale has always been “Sermons in Song.” That has not changed and hopefully will never change!”   

The April concert will commemorate Prange’s retirement as director. Nagel will then take over. 

“Mary Prange has had a profound and lasting impact on the Lutheran Chorale of Milwaukee,” says Nagel. “I have been asked many times what changes I’ll be making. The truth is, all directors puts their own ‘flavor’ into the music of a choir. My musical tastes will come through in our repertoire, but I intend to continue to use some of the chorale ‘standards,’ which people have come to expect. I can say what won’t change-we will continue to proclaim the truths of Scripture and the gospel message of Jesus, who alone gives us a reason to sing!”  


For more information, visit lutheranchorale.org 


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Author:
Volume 105, Number 3
Issue: March 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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Are you religiously incorrect?

Mark G. Schroeder

Freedom of speech is guaranteed by the US Constitution, but that guarantee is actively being set aside for the sake of “political correctness.”  

On college campuses, speakers who promote politically conservative views are threatened with violent protests if they dare to speak. When people hold views deemed by the culture to be “politically incorrect,” they are often labeled as ignorant, closed-minded, haters, and bigots. It’s not surprising that in the face of such condemnation their voices fall silent. They conclude that it’s better to avoid the confrontation and the angry response of those who militantly claim to hold a more “enlightened” view. 

Regardless of what side of those issues you may be on, a person with an appreciation for freedom of speech must recognize that silencing debate and discussion on controversial political issues cannot be healthy for a nation that is built on freedom. 

The same kind of dynamic presents a challenge to Christians who strive to be faithful to the teachings of Scripture. In our interaction with other Christians and even with non-Christians, we face a “religious correctness” that others often try to impose on people who hold to and practice the truths of God’s Word. 

Years ago, one my seminary professors was talking to his nephew about creation. The professor stated that the Bible is clear that the world and the universe were created in six days by the power of God’s Word. His nephew said, “Uncle, nobody really believes that anymore.” The professor said, “But I believe that!” The response from his nephew was, “Nobody intelligent believes that anymore.” 

Maybe you have had a similar experience. If we say that we believe that the Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God, we will be mocked for believing in fairy tales. When we state that we commune and worship only with those who share our beliefs, we are accused of being unloving, closed-minded, and judgmental. When we insist that marriage is a God-given lifelong union between one man and one woman, we are labeled as foolishly clinging to outmoded traditions and encouraged to get with the times. When we insist that taking the life of an unborn child is murder, we are said to be people who want to trample on a woman’s right to choose. When we confess that we know that heaven is ours only because of what Christ did for us, we are dismissed as misguided and naïve. 

In the view of many other Christians, and certainly in the eyes of non-Christians, we are hopelessly “religiously incorrect.” But that’s exactly where we need to be—incorrect in the judgment of many, but standing firmly on the truth of God’s Word. 

So, our biblical beliefs may mean that we are “religiously incorrect” in the eyes of those who don’t share our beliefs. What do we do in response to that? First, we continue to look to God’s Word to strengthen our faith, to increase our knowledge of his Word, and to reinforce our belief in the doctrine that we have learned. We need to be ready to hold those beliefs without doubting or wavering even when we are challenged or face hostility. Then, instead of remaining silent when people condemn and criticize, instead of having a twinge of embarrassment that our beliefs may not be popular in today’s world, we need to be ready to speak what we believe—with respect and love and gentleness. God will use the words of those who are “religiously incorrect” to bring others to know that truth that he has given to us. 


Mark Schroeder is president of WELS.


 

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Author: Mark G. Schroeder
Volume 105, Number 3
Issue: March 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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On fire for ministry

While encouraging young people to consider the full-time ministry is part of any Christian’s job, four people from Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn., make it their full-time call.  

For seven months of the year, MLC’s admissions counselors are on the road, traveling around the country to meet with high school students. “I’m home just enough to unpack, reload, and then go again,” says Lori Unke, one of the four counselors. 

These counselors have an important job to do. They talk to students about the privilege of serving as a called worker. “I get to share my passion for ministry with them,” says Unke, a 1984 MLC graduate. “A teacher has such a huge influence on growing bodies and growing hearts—spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Teaching and role modeling God’s love for [your students]—what could be better than that?” 

Whether it’s presenting to a group of freshmen and sophomores, meeting one-on-one with juniors or seniors, or mingling with teens during events like the WELS International Youth Rally, Unke says it’s an honor to build personal relationships with these young adults. “I get to know them and their activities, their hobbies, what’s important in their lives,” she says. “Then we can discuss their talents and their God-given time of grace and how they might work to use those talents to serve God in his kingdom.” 

Unke says that she meets with hundreds of young adults every year. “A lot of conversations inspire me; it’s sometimes quite emotional to see these high school students already so on fire for ministry,” she says. 

She recalls one example of a young man, Michael. “His parents are Buddhist, and they had great plans for their son that didn’t involve WELS ministry,” she says.  

Michael’s parents were looking for a good private grade school, so they sent him to a WELS elementary school. Michael was baptized and became a member of the church. He also was encouraged to attend the nearby area Lutheran high school. “His teachers were very influential on him, and he wanted to help young people like his teachers helped him,” says Unke.  

Michael ended up attending MLC and is now a sophomore. “God continues to amaze me with young people like this one,” says Unke. “His mom allows him to follow his dream, even though she still is Buddhist. That’s just God’s amazing grace that gets people [to MLC] regardless of skin color or culture or background.” 

Like Michael, many young people are inspired to go into the ministry by their teachers. “Teachers and pastors are our best recruiters,” says Unke. Unke says even her own children, all of whom grew up on MLC’s campus and attended college there, were encouraged by the college students and the professors. “There were so many good role models for them,” she says. 

That’s part of what Unke loves about serving as an admissions counselor: seeing the young adults whom she has recruited grow and blossom as MLC students and then as called workers themselves. “To see them get their diploma and go out into their first call is extremely rewarding,” she says. “That puts it all together for me.” 


The need for teachers is great. Watch the March WELS Connection to learn more about increasing opportunities at WELS schools. Learn more about Martin Luther College and how you can support its students at mlc-wels.edu.


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Volume 105, Number 3
Issue: March 2018

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Sisters in Christ

For 50 years, Linda, Sue, Lois, Judy S., Judy D., Joey, Doris, Jan, Joan, Ella, Lois, Shirley and Sandy—aka the Chain Gang—have kept in touch with a chain letter.

Ann M. Ponath

These days any mail stamped and in your actual mailbox is a special treat. Most things in the mailbox seem to be ads, but imagine receiving multiple personal letters all at once from old college friends every few months for 50 years!

In 1963, ten women from six different high schools began college together at the old Milwaukee Lutheran Teachers College (MLTC). After two years in Milwaukee, the group moved on to Dr. Martin Luther College (DMLC), New Ulm, Minn., completing their teaching degrees in 1967. “Right from our freshman year, friendships were formed,” recalls Sue Rittierodt of Tacoma, Washington. “By our senior year, we were very close. On call night we all sat in a row—except those who were out student teaching—and some even held hands. As excited as we were to hear where the Holy Spirit would be sending us, we also were wondering where each of us would be.”

All of the letter writers received calls that night. “Many taught more than 20 years, some over 30!” says Rittierodt. “One has played organ for 50 years and is still playing! Many of us have changed careers and very successfully. We all served and still serve our congregations in some manner.”

The group decided to start writing a chain letter when one of their friends died in her sleep four months after graduation. They wanted a way to always keep in touch.

Rittierodt explains how the process works: “I send my letter to my friend. She reads my letter, writes one of her own, and sends my letter and hers to another friend. This friend reads the two letters, writes one of her own, and mails all three letters to another friend. This goes on until it all comes back to me. I throw out my letter and put in a new one, and it starts all over again.”

Even when several friends took calls overseas, they were not forgotten. “When Linda and Lois took a call to Hong Kong, we did not include them in the chain letter, but each individually wrote to them, using the special blue airmail paper,” says Rittierodt.

Over the years, these friends have grown into wives, mothers, and grandmothers. Together they celebrate 35 children and more than 50 grandchildren with more on the way. “In the early years, when we were all busy teaching multi-grades, singing in choir, teaching Sunday school, and whatever new teachers were asked to do, the letters would get around in six months or so,” says Rittierodt. “Then we got married and had children and new activities to keep us busy. Once our children were grown and we had more time, the letters would get around much more quickly. When two of our group received their crown of glory, we asked two others to join us—they have blended right in.”

Now the women are scattered from Washington to Arizona, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. “When Lois and Linda came home from Hong Kong on furlough, we had a big gathering. The last several years we also have been blessed to have weeklong retreats in Washington, Florida, northern Michigan, and rural Montana,” says Rittierodt. “We have daily devotions, we sing, laugh, play cards, laugh, tour the area, laugh, attend a local church, laugh, take turns making meals, and eat chocolate.”

“We have a lot of fun and laughs when we get together,” says Ella Behrens, Crystal Lake, Ill. “There are plenty of women in our group who have a wonderful sense of humor. It doesn’t take much for the group to break out in song. We love to remember and talk about fun times from the past.”

The friendships expressed in this letter have been a definite blessing to these women. “I can’t begin to express what I feel when that letter shows up in my mailbox,” says Rittierodt. “It brings an immediate smile, and for me, everything is set aside and I open that packet and read each letter, sometimes twice.”

The letters came in good times and in bad. “Over the years, we have all had difficulties in our lives: parents died, a granddaughter died, four spouses, two sons, a daughter-in-law. Knowing these women are praying for me is such a comfort,” says Rittierodt. “Letters often include favorite Bible passages, hymn verses, and encouraging words. Our faith shines through in all our letters—it might just be thanking God for a beautiful fall. Many letters are addressed to ‘My Sisters in Christ.’ I never had a sister growing up; now I have ten.”

Linda Philip of Kirkland, Washington, recalls, “As the years have gone by, the letters include more and more words of God to lift one another’s spirits as we have gone through trials, health issues, and deaths of loved ones. I remember one specific wrenching sadness when one of our sister’s grandchildren was very ill, and she sought our prayers for strength. I know the letters were comforting especially after losing the young child.”

“For me personally I received extra comfort from these friends four years ago when my husband went home to heaven. Sadly, again this year, my oldest son entered heaven. Again my dear friends were here for me and our family. Bible verses flow so easily, and to see them in someone’s handwriting becomes so personal,” says Judy Diener, Plymouth, Wisconsin.

Lois Reichers of Peoria, Arizona, adds, “When I have sorrows in my life such as the sudden loss of my husband, I know these friends are there with their prayers and support! They are also there to share in my joys—births of children, grandchildren and marriages! Such a blessing!”

Lois Tackebury, South Lyon, Michigan, is also grateful for the letters. “Every time I receive the packet it is a special time. I feel blessed to know I am connected to these Christian friends though separated by miles. . . . The letters have actually brought us all closer than when we were in college.”

“The letters mean hope, love, support, and encouragement from each dear Christian friend no matter the distance that separates us. The letters bring us all together in spirit and thoughts. We keep each other focused on our ultimate goal—eternal life with our Savior and reunion with all our loved ones who have gone before us,” says Ella Behrens.

Janet Kneser sums it up. “Wow. Now in our 51st year, there must have been hundreds of letters that have rotated. Sitting quietly to read the letters, it feels more like a personal visit with dear friends. Time and distance have separated us, but gratefully, the chain gang letter has kept us bonded in a Christian love that began as college classmates. Tears of joy and sadness are shared while the comfort of praying friends gives us encouragement. Though we do supplement our way of communicating with e-mail and a Facebook group, I think we gals will hold on to ‘snail mail’ writing until we are all in heaven!”


Ann Ponath is a member at Christ, North Saint Paul, Minnesota.


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Author: Ann M. Ponath
Volume 105, Number 3
Issue: March 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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Seeing with the eyes of the heart

Glenn L. Schwanke

Before the opening hymn, I wondered, “What happened to our hymn boards? The white hymn numbers shimmer against the black backgrounds. Did one of the electrical engineering students in our Campus Ministry figure out a way to backlight the numbers?”

A split second after those thoughts flitted through my mind, I knew the hymn boards hadn’t changed. My eyesight had. After cataract surgery, my vision was no longer clouded over by the yellowed-haze that had developed on my 60+ year-old lenses, almost like fog and grime on a windshield. Instead, with new lens implants in each eye, I was finally seeing white again. Colors jumped out at me in a way I hadn’t experienced since I was in the third grade.

That was when I couldn’t read the blackboard in our classroom. I always had my nose in the book, not because I was exceptionally studious, but because I struggled to read the print. But after getting my first pair of glasses, I walked out from the optometrist’s office onto the sidewalk to bask in the brilliant sunshine that flooded South 8th Street in downtown Manitowoc, Wisconsin. There I stood. Looking one way. Then the other. The colors took my breath away! Reds, blues, and yes, whites leaped at me like never before—almost as if I could reach out and touch them.

Cataract surgery for us older folks, or a pair of glasses or contacts for the younger generations, can make a night-to-day difference to our eyesight!

But there’s another type of clear vision that’s far more important. The apostle Paul tells us about it in his letter to the Ephesians: “I keep praying that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, will give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowing Christ fully. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope to which he has called you, just how rich his glorious inheritance among the saints is, and just how surpassingly great his power is for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:17-19 Evangelical Heritage Version [EHV]).

Paul prayed that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened,” because he knew how life’s struggles can fog our spiritual sight. Endless chemo or radiation therapy, a stroke that leaves us debilitated just as we were taking our first steps into retirement—all these things and more can jaundice our outlook on life. A failed marriage or the sudden, unexpected death of a child can so darken the mirror of our soul that we may even lash out in anger against our God.

How can our spiritual cataracts be removed? Only by God’s Spirit who performs surgery deep inside us with his sharp, double-edged sword, “the word of God” (Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17). Through that Word, the Spirit brightens our outlook on life by riveting our attention on Jesus and enlightening us with the trust to see Jesus for who he really is. Jesus is the one who made you and me brighter than the white numbers on the hymn board.

Well, that’s the way I see it, and I think the prophet Isaiah would agree with me, although he used a different picture for purity. He wrote, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). Because of the crimson blood Jesus shed on his cross, our sins are buried. When our Father looks at us, he sees nothing but shimmering, blinding white.

For you see, everything looks different when viewed through the lens that is Christ.


Contributing editor Glenn Schwanke, pastor at Peace, Houghton, Michigan, also serves as campus pastor at Michigan Technological University.


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Author: Glenn L. Schwanke
Volume 105, Number 3
Issue: March 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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Moments with missionaries: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya

Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya 

Terry L. Schultz

Pilgrims in another land

I met Nyaduel while visiting the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya to help conduct leadership training. Kakuma Refugee Camp and nearby Kalobeyei Settlement have been at times the largest refugee settlements in the world, with over 185,000 inhabitants counted in 2017. For more than 25 years, South Sudanese men and women, even children with no accompanying relative or friend, have walked for miles to refugee camps to escape the carnage of the civil war in South Sudan.

Since 2014, Peter Bur, a revered elder among the Nuer people of South Sudan who emigrated to the United States and now serves as the North American coordinator for South Sudanese ministry for our synod, has made trips back to Africa to train South Sudanese church leaders in Kenya and Ethiopia. The Spirit-powered results have been astounding. Currently 23 groups (three in Kakuma, 20 in Ethiopia) serve more than 2,600 people with the gospel. On the day of our visit to Kakuma, more than 300 members—including Nyaduel—gathered for a combined church service.

Nyaduel is 17 and has already lived over 10 years in Kakuma. “How did you get here?” I asked her. She remembered and, in her second language of English, replied, “I am running. My mother is running. I never see her again.” Nyaduel, her mother, and her father were in different locations in the village when the government soldiers arrived. They each had to run for their lives. Sylvia has met her father since then. Tragically, he is currently not a Christian. Neither of them have found her mother. But Nyaduel is blessed to be part of a new family with many brothers and sisters of the faith in Kakuma. And while Nyaduel would like to study to become a pilot one day, right now she loves serving as one of the congregation’s youth leaders.

As a youth leader, Nyaduel teaches Bible lessons to the children. She also directs the choir and teaches dance movements to accompany the singing. Several large, goat-skin drums are used to keep the beat during worship. The drums are exuberantly played with beaters made from eight-inch strips of durable rubber tire tread cut from discarded tires.

Nyaduel’s humble, servant-like attitude is clearly evident in her youth work. As a young girl, Nyaduel lost her left foot in a fire. She managed to obtain an artificial foot made of wood. But that was years ago. Nyaduel has grown since then and now needs a new artificial foot that is a couple of inches taller. But having one leg shorter than the other does not impede Nyaduel. The girl with one wooden foot doesn’t worry about looking awkward as she teaches dance steps to the children and youth choirs to use in praise of Jesus!

During worship, the Kakuma congregation sings a song written by the refugees themselves: “Lord, we know you are here with us. Lord, you know we want to go back home.”

No one will be going back home until there is peace in South Sudan. And no one is optimistic that that will happen any time soon. But God’s message that in this world we are always aliens, foreigners, and pilgrims resonates deeply with our Kakuma brothers and sisters. An eternity with our heavenly Father in paradise is coming for those who put their trust and faith in Jesus.

On this Sunday, in the barren refugee camp of Kakuma, there is a three-hour worship service of preaching, prayer, singing, and dancing. The celebration has already begun! God’s children in Kakuma are secure in the knowledge that the eternal kingdom awaits them, thanks to their Savior Jesus!


Terry Schultz serves as a consultant for WELS Multi-Language Publications. 


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Author: Terry L. Schultz 
Volume 105, Number 3
Issue: March 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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Deliver us from evil

John A. Braun

The prayer Jesus taught us begins, “Our Father in heaven.” With those words Jesus directs us to look beyond our space and time to our Father above who cares for us while we are here. Each time we pray to our heavenly Father, we turn our attention above to the source of all our blessings.  

But because we are here, our attention often drops to our own challenges. We get so wrapped up in our troubles, struggles, and burdens that we do not look up enough and we do not consider what our heavenly Father has given us. His love gave us the promise of heaven—citizenship where he will wipe away our tears and dispel death, sorrow, and pain. In Christ, he claimed us and made us his children, but he did not remove us from this world. Not yet. 

Each birthday brings us face-to-face with a relentless truth: We are closer to the end of our earthly journey. Yet even the birthdays somehow turn our attention away from that reality. We think one day will be just like the next, and we will continue to be as we are. No change. And sometimes we pray, “Deliver us from evil,” thinking that God promises to keep us and those we love just as we are—young, healthy, and happy.  

God listens to our prayer and responds, but not in the way we often expect. Instead of removing our burdens and struggles, he leaves them as our crosses to bear while we are here. Those troubles are often especially painful and shattering. Then the sour notes of our anguish prompt a question: “Why me? Did God forget to deliver me from evil?” 

We cannot always understand enough to answer the question, but God has his reasons. For one thing, when we suffer, God points us to heaven. We come to know: “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for a city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). Our presence in that city is the greatest good God could provide for anyone. He teaches us in our tragedies to groan and long for the complete absence of our earthly woes and to be in the peace and joy of heaven.  

We are not only to look above, but also around. When you pray this prayer with your fellow Christians in worship, look around. Among your brothers and sisters in Christ some carry crosses of all sizes and shapes: cancer, disability, poverty, loneliness, heartache—a host of anxieties. It’s a much longer list. These children of God come to their heavenly Father with their own versions of “evil” and pray for deliverance. Their crosses give you an opportunity to show your compassion. Your compassion, caring, and prayers—for your own family and for your fellow believers—is one answer to their prayers for deliverance.  

For all of us, troubles are a time to look up to our heavenly Father and patiently wait. He continues to care for us in good and bad days. So when we pray, “Deliver us from evil,” we must not think as small children who cry when they scrape a knee and think everything is coming to an end. As children of God, we know that our heavenly Father comforts us, picks us up, and gives us the strength and courage to face the next challenge. In the process, we mature and grow knowing that we need each trouble to learn and also to treasure the final deliverance God promises. He does not desert us. “Heavenly Father, deliver us from evil.”  


John Braun is executive editor of the Forward in Christ magazine.


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Author: John A. Braun
Volume 105, Number 3
Issue: March 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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God’s love: Our song forever – Part 9

There is a great amount of benefit in hearing and singing the gospel-rich heritage hymns of Lutheranism, even those that “sound strange” and are “hard to sing.”

Michael D. Schultz

There’s a storage box in my basement that contains my high school and college football jerseys. My dear wife has inquired a number of times about whether or not we are still going to keep that box of old stuff. Each time she has been lovingly informed that we will hold onto the contents of that box as long as I am still breathing air.

There’s a group of hymns that seemingly fall into the same category: 1) been around a long time; 2) not seeing much use; 3) holding onto them may seem rather questionable. They typically come from 16th- or 17th-century Lutheranism. Examples from Christian Worship (CW) would be Luther’s “In the Midst of Earthly Life” (CW 534) or Gerhardt’s “I Will Sing My Maker’s Praises” (CW 253). They are sometimes nicknamed “heritage hymns.” Some have wondered if we should preserve them under that name in a hymn category of their own. Others wonder, “Are we really going to print them, again, in the next book?”

Fact check

Among the things people sometimes say about these “old Lutheran hymns” is that they are “too sad-sounding,” “too strange-sounding,” or just “too hard to sing.” There may be some truth to these statements, but it isn’t necessarily the whole truth.

“Sad-sounding”—Of 192 German chorales in Christian Worship, only 45 are in a minor or minor-sounding key. Music in a minor key can certainly be appropriate for serious themes such as contrition and cross-bearing, but it is not sad by definition. “What Child Is This” (CW 67) and “The King of Glory Comes” (CW 363) are both in a minor key, and we probably wouldn’t call them sad.

“Strange-sounding”—Our 21st-century American ears sense that something’s different when hearing the music of “Our Father, Who from Heaven Above” (CW 410). Of 192 German chorales in Christian Worship, 24 use what is known as modal music (as do some Star Wars themes and any number of Beatles songs). With its different scale of tones, it’s not what we’re accustomed to listening to, to say nothing of singing. And yet we do! Just not consistently. “What Wondrous Love Is This?” (CW 120) and “In Peace and Joy I Now Depart” (CW 269) are both written in the same musical mode, but WELS congregations sing “Wondrous Love” 12 times more frequently than “Peace and Joy.”

“Hard to sing”—In a side-by-side comparison, musicians would conclude that the melody of “Evening and Morning” (CW 430) should be noticeably easier to sing than that of “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying” (CW 206). Yet WELS congregations sing “Wake, Awake” 20 times more often than “Evening and Morning.” You may have never sung or even heard of “Evening and Morning.”

Tenure

In the hymnal in which I write all my notes, “Wake, Awake” has a note that says, “TT 1599.” That’s shorthand for “this text and tune have been paired together since 1599.” For “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” (CW 38), it says, “TT 1539.” You do the math.

Our next hymnal will include a good number of hymns written and composed in the 21st century, but something has to be said for a melody and a text that have been sung together for more than two centuries before the United States became a nation. If 20, even if 40, of the seldom-sung heritage hymns appeared in the next hymnal, there will still be 600 others to choose from if worship planners wish to bypass the “not easy” ones. What has to be said, though, is that such hymns have demonstrated their worth.

The heart of the matter

Songwriter Harlan Howard is quoted as saying, “All you need to write a country song is three chords and the truth.” That will always be at least half true of these classic Lutheran hymns. They will have the truth of the gospel, but seldom will they be a three-chord song. The composers were craftsmen, well-trained in their musical trade. The authors treated rich biblical themes that were not always in the shallow end of the pool. Stashing these hymns away in their own nostalgic hymn category—perhaps to be used on special occasions, perhaps not—falls short of what they deserve. What W.G. Polack (author of The Handbook to The Lutheran Hymnal) said of one of the more difficult heritage hymns really applies to all of the musically challenging ones: “The congregation that masters this tune possesses a treasure of which it will never grow weary.”

While I’ve enjoyed hearing it on the radio, I’m guessing people may not be singing Blake Shelton’s “I’ll Name the Dogs” three hundred years from now. But something good happens when worship leaders and musicians lay out plans, invest the time, and do the work of teaching the congregation solid Christian hymns that have already lasted that long. And that’s what’s most true of the “not easy” hymns—they need to be taught.

Even the chorale has to be taught to people before they can appreciate the lessons it teaches. A fundamental understanding of the chorale, as the sung word of God and a confession of faith in music and poetry, can only exist in the realm of theory unless the people are encouraged to learn and sing chorales in practice (“The Chorale: Transcending Time and Culture,” Robin Leaver).

There’s no great benefit in pulling those old football jerseys of mine out of storage, even if I still plan to keep them. There is, however, a boatload of benefit in hearing and singing the gospel-rich heritage hymns of Lutheranism. While more frequent use of them does not make the pastor who selects them or the congregation that sings them any more Lutheran, we encourage leaders to take up the task of teaching them because we have no plans to be the hymnal project that lets them go. They are one slice of many hymn resources we are working to make available.

When it’s time to roll one out one of these heritage hymns, remember to: 1) use announcements, articles, and classes to educate people about its upcoming use in worship; 2) let children or adult choirs learn it and teach it to the congregation; 3) sing the same one several weeks in a row to give people a chance to learn it.


Michael Schultz, project director of the WELS Hymnal Project, is a member at Trinity, Waukesha, Wisconsin.


This is the final article in a nine-part series on hymns and their use in our churches.  


The WELS Hymnal Project wants your feedback as it works on finalizing which of the more than 700 hymns from Christian Worship and Christian Worship: Supplement will be included in the new hymnal. be included in the new hymnal. The WELS Hymnal Project has indicated online which hymns are slated to be kept and which are slated to be cut. You can view the list and, if you want, choose hymns from the cut list that you would like to see kept in the new hymnal. To take part in the process, visit welshymnal.comThe deadline is May 1.


Respectfully making room

When it’s time to introduce those older hymns, Christian Worship: Handbook is one resource for interesting information about these hymns’ backgrounds, authors, and composers. For example, consider the fascinating story behind CW 574. Access the story by going to Christian Worship: Handbook, p. 581, or visiting welshymnal.com.

 


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Author: Michael D. Schultz
Volume 105, Number 3
Issue: March 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

World mission teams provide coordination and expertise

For decades WELS members have been hearing about the WELS mission work being done in Malawi, Zambia, Cameroon, and Nigeria and how God has blessed these efforts.

But what about Rwanda, Liberia, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Mozambique? New opportunities are blooming in Africa either as church leaders reach out to WELS for fellowship and help or as WELS and its African sister church bodies recognize new outreach potential.

To help WELS explore these burgeoning opportunities, the One Africa Team has been formed. This team, which comprises the 10 WELS missionaries serving in Africa as well as the US-based Africa administrative team, is coordinating WELS missionary work and resources across Africa.

“In the past we were separated into fields. One field would figure out how to help sister synods do evangelism, ministerial education, administration, publications, and whatever else we could help with,” says Paul Nitz, missionary in Malawi and coordinator of the One Africa Team. “The new One Africa Team allows us to pool our knowledge and share our strengths to best serve the sister synods we work with.”

While the missionaries will continue to serve in their respective countries, they will also coordinate their efforts across fields, especially in the areas of evangelism, theological education, communication, and administration. “As we focus our attention and resources on a particular function, the opportunities to do more effective work blossom,” says Nitz. He shared a recent example in which the missionaries were working with a national church body to recruit qualified candidates to study for the ministry. “As we looked into that problem, we ended up looking across all the synods in Africa and comparing what is done,” he says. “And so, working on a problem in one country will likely help us to improve what we do in all of them.”

This team approach also will help WELS as it examines new opportunities for outreach in Africa, providing on-the-ground research and years of knowledge. “You combine the wisdom and experience of African missionaries who have served for decades and add that to the decisions WELS is making to reach out into other parts of Africa—it really is a blessing,” says Larry Schlomer, administrator of WELS World Missions. “It should allow us to make quicker, more confident decisions and to be better stewards of the resources God has given us so more mission work gets done.”

Already the One Africa Team has been collaborating with the Pastoral Studies Institute and WELS’ sister churches in Africa to examine potential confessional relationships and provide training:

  • In October 2017, WELS Zambian missionaries and several national pastors from the Lutheran Church of Central Africa–Zambia (LCCA-Z) traveled to Kenya and Ethiopia to continue fellowship discussions with one church body, to encourage and teach South Sudanese refugees in refugee camps, and to participate in a graduation service with one of WELS’ newest sister churches.
  • In September 2017, Philip Birner, a missionary in Zambia, and an LCCA–Z national pastor visited Rwanda to meet with a young church body interested in becoming confessional Lutheran.
  • Work also continues in Mozambique as the Lutheran Church of Central Africa—Malawi Synod encourages Mozambican Lutherans who live right across the border from Malawi.
  • Future priorities include looking more closely at two different groups in Liberia.

Africa isn’t the only mission field using this team approach. 1LA (One Latin America) coordinates ministry opportunities in Spanish-speaking countries, and a similar method is used in East Asia. “WELS overseas mission work was started decades ago. The world has changed. Instant communications, easier travel, and migrant tides make broader efforts much more necessary than before,” says Schlomer. “Our new world teams are poised to carry the gospel with an effective use of WELS resources to a rapidly expanding list of new people.”


Read more about WELS missions at wels.net/missions.


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Author:
Volume 105, Number 3
Issue: March 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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Meet the editorial staff: Schwanke

Ever ask yourself, “Who are these people who write for Forward in Christ?” Through this series you can find out. 

Even before I interviewed Glenn Schwanke, our newest contributing editor, I felt like I already knew him.  

His name may not be new to you either. He wrote our Campus Ministry column for several years and has contributed numerous features as well—with a style that is filled with personal stories, humor, and pathos. 

Even his e-mail address—yooperrev—tells you something about him. 

Yet I learned even more about this self-proclaimed introvert who has served Peace, Houghton, Mich., and the campus ministry at Michigan Technological University for the past 21 years. Here’s what I discovered: 

  • He lives in the snow capital of the Midwest,which has an average annual snowfall of 218 inches. “Our snow storms are biblical in nature: they last 40 days and 40 nights,” he says. Snow and ice fit well into his favorite hobby: ice fishing. “What’s not to love?” he says. “Brusque temps of 20 below; howling, blinding winds. Frozen face and hands after mere minutes of exposure. But then drill a few holes in the ice, pop up a portable shanty, turn on the heater, drop the flasher’s transducer into the hole, and blissfully while away the hours jigging away!” 
  • His congregation grew out of a WELS Campus Ministry that goes back to 1969. Because of the university’s large international student base, his ministry offers unique outreach opportunities. “There have been many evenings when I walked home from our chapel, paused, looked up at the stars, and said, ‘Lord, you have a sense of humor. World mission work in Houghton, Michigan!’ ”
  • He has served WELS in a variety of ways, including as a circuit pastorand as a member ofthe WELS Mental Health Committee and the Commission on Inter-Church Relations. He currently serves as first vice president of the Northern Wisconsin District and as a member of the Translation Liaison Committee. He also is part of the Wartburg Project, a parasynodical organization working on the Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV) Bible translation.  
  • He and his wife, Teresa, have been married for 39 years and have one daughter, Victoria, who is getting married this summer. Schwanke took Victoria’s fiancéthrough adult baptism and confirmation. “He’s had a challenging upbringing, so it was rather overwhelming when he wrote me a Christmas card this year and told me, ‘You’re the dad I never had,’ ” says Schwanke. 
  • “Jovial” is how he describes himself. “I’d rather get wrinkles on my face from a smile and laughter than from weeping and frowns,” he says.
  • The messagehe wants to share with readers? “That no matter what this life brings, no matter how hard it becomes, no matter how bewildered we get because of fast-paced changes in the world around us, there is always ‘Jesus Christ . . . the same yesterday and today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8 EHV).” 

He continues: “Sometimes I wake up in the morning (always a good way to start the day at my age), and joy washes through me at this thought: I have been given the gift of life, now and into eternity, because Jesus lived, died, and rose again for me. I’d like others to have that same joy, peace, and confident hope—precious gifts that only Jesus can give.” 


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Author:
Volume 105, Number 3
Issue: March 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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Salt of the earth: Part 9

Christian humility gives us the opportunity to show our love as we faithfully serve him and others. 

James A. Mattek 

“Jim, it’s not about us,” the old man blurted out from his bed in his abrupt style.  

No truer words had ever been said. But who it was that spoke them led me to marvel again at the character-sculpting diligence of the Spirit. I had known him for over 40 years. Now, at age 96, he waited as death’s door began to crack, and he knew “it is not about us.” He was an example of humility for me. In a world that numbers accomplishments and rewards those who achieve much, humility is a rare quality. 

It would have been easy and perhaps expected that this man would find some pride in his life’s accomplishments. He was gifted and had been successful in life. He had traveled the world and had an expert’s knowledge of the historic places he visited. He had a photographic memory. His grasp of the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions often amazed me. He had interrupted his seminary years to teach at the high school level and later taught for decades as a college professor. He had studied at major universities, including Oxford. During and after his working years the lecture circuit kept him busy. He was also an author and musician. Not a bad resumé. 

Yet he believed “it is not about us.”  

The apostle Paul would agree: “Do not be proud. . . . Do not be conceited” (Romans 12:16). “It’s not about us” he said, because he lived as a believer in Jesus, ready and willing to serve humbly as the Lord directed. 

Do not bproud  

He had retained so much of his mental abilities as age slowly brought him closer to life’s end. During this death watch I found myself reflecting on his life, especially the many conversations we had that made an impact on me. His comment jogged my memory. About 30 years earlier we had talked about a major event in his life. A gathering had been planned to celebrate his 40th year in the public ministry. It would be well attended by friends, family, and colleagues, some who were formerly his students.  Nice things would be said. His accomplishments would be noted with praise. He was not looking forward to all of the attention, but he agreed to attend. He was uncomfortable that his quiet life as a teacher and scholar would be interrupted by the noise of attention focused on him. 

Weeks later I asked him how it went. His response went like this: “As you know, I don’t really care for these things. Many complimentary things were said about me . . . some true, some exaggerated. They arranged for me to be the last to speak. I had dreaded the possibility of applause at the end of my talk and, God forbid, a possible standing ovation.”   

“Well, what happened?” I asked.   

“As my talk came to an end, I announced that we will now all sing the Common Doxology. I started the singing, and everyone joined in. As we sang, I took my seat again at the table. When we were done singing, it was quiet . . . no applause, just the way I like it.”  

He was a humble man who gave all thanks and glory to God for his blessings: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!” (Christian Worship 334). 

“Do not be proud. . . . Do not be conceited.” “It’s not about us.” A bigger event was only weeks away for this fading father figure and friend. Always, it is about someone.  That Someone is now receiving his perfect praise in his heavenly home. I have heard the lesson many times before. Luther wrote in his last hours that we are all beggars. I—all of us—bring nothing to God, but God gives us all things in his Son, Jesus. It’s not about us because we have nothing to offer. Even our best is “filthy rags,” as Isaiah reminds us (64:6). Humility arises in our hearts when we understand that God loves us, makes us his, and gives us both our talents and the opportunity to use them. 

Be willing to associate with people of low position 

When we truly believe that it’s not about us, it’s amazing how important the unimportant people become to us.   

It’s been said that church is not a country club for the elite but rather a hospital for the hurting. It’s not about our position, our power, or our prestige. After all, it’s not about us. We were lost and have been found. We were blind, but now we see. It’s about God and his grace. And God has right-sized his grace to fit everyone . . . even “the least of these.” 

At age 85, she still drove, but not at night anymore. Like clockwork, her Buick pulled up to church every Sunday loaded down with valuable cargo. Edna always arrived a good half hour early for Bible class so she could unload her cargo. She would leave after the late service with the same valuable cargo.  

At the door of church, she slowly got out of the car and helped the others do the same.  One passenger was in his 20s; the other two were elderly widows like herself. She had picked them up at their homes and brought them to hear about their Savior and the permanent home he promised. The young man would never drive a car because of his disabilities. One widow was legally blind; she sang the hymns from memory. The other had recently lost her husband. All of them dealt with loneliness, but not on Sundays. A selfless soul made sure of that. To her, they were important, ever if others didn’t agree.   

I’ll never forget one particular Sunday. It happened near the side door of church. A young woman was attempting to slip into church unnoticed. It didn’t work. Edna noticed and wouldn’t let her go. Why? Because they were locked in a tear-filled embrace. The younger woman felt low and worthless, ashamed that another marriage had failed. Edna assured her again and again, “You’re always welcome here. None of us is perfect.” She was a humble servant of Jesus ready to embrace the forgotten and lowly. 

Later, on a cold January day, Edna was found motionless on her kitchen floor. In her hand was the cross she wore every time I saw her. Her service to the “unimportant people” was over. The One who had been nailed to the cross welcomed her home.  

“Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” I believe that Jesus welcomed them both home with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servants” (Matthew 25:21). 


James Mattek, director of ministry at Christian Family Solutions, is a member at Trinity, Watertown, Wisconsin.  


This is the nineth article in a 12-part series about Christian love in action and how we can be salt in this world.


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Author: James A. Mattek
Volume 105, Number 3
Issue: March 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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Quilters for Christ

Kay Jaschob knew she wanted to honor her mother’s memory after her passing. So she took her passion for sewing and started a quilting group at her church, Immanuel, Waupaca, Wis. The quilters get together each month to take old scraps of fabric and turn them into beautiful, large blankets.  

What started as a legacy for Jaschob’s mother has now blossomed into a thriving ministry. It began when Jaschob worked at the nursing home of Pastor Robin Robbert’s grandmother. During this time, Jaschob got to know Pastor Robbert, who serves King of Kings, Wasilla, Alaska. Jaschob told the Immanuel Quilters about the church, and the group decided that the residents living in the cold climate could use their quilts. King of Kings has been donating those blankets to homeless shelters and other families in need. 

“It is such a labor of love,” Robbert says. 

From there, the ministry has started donating their quilts to several different organizations. The Immanuel Quilters provide quilts to local homeless shelters, as well as children’s ministries like Mission to the Children in Sonora, Mexico, and Warm Hugs Ministry in the Apache mission field. 

They also provide blankets to Lighthouse Youth Center in Milwaukee, a facility for 10- to 18-year-olds to engage in safe and fun recreational activities, while also receiving spiritual and academic assistance.  

James Buske, Lighthouse’s executive director, says the organization is thankful for Immanuel’s blankets, which are given to the youth in their program. 

“Many of the kids in the organization have seen a lot of ups and down, and the blankets provide hope that there are some people out there who love them and care for them,” he says. “It’s a comfort item that’s personally their own.” 

Members of Immanuel help to make the blankets in a variety of different ways. About ten women come to sew quilts each month. Others are encouraged to donate pieces of fabric and to cut patches. One 96-year-old member hand-binds each quilt in her home. Each person’s unique talents come together to create gifts that comfort and warm hundreds of different people.  

“We figure that this is the way to treat your fellow man,” Jaschob says. “We have the opportunity to serve someone, and as Christians that’s something we want to do.” 

Gabriella Moline 


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Author: Gabriella Moline
Volume 105, Number 3
Issue: March 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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We need light

Physically we need sunlight; spiritually we need the light Jesus shines into our lives.

James D. Roecker

Lack of sunlight can be detrimental to your health. A lack of sunlight can lead to developing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Symptoms of SAD can include mood swings, anxiety, and sleep problems. The average age of onset of SAD is between 18 and 30 years of age.  

The college years just might be when SAD can take hold of a person. An escalating problem can be caused due to winters in states that do not boast copious amounts of light. When the anxiety and stress of college life combines with anxiety caused by a lack of sunlight, the result can be described by the word darkness. Life would be better if this season of darkness would come to an end. Spring is a sign of good things to come—sunlight 

People in Jesus time needed a sign tooJesus said. “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation” (Luke 11:29,30). The sign was Jesus himself. He was the Light. By looking at Jesus and considering his preaching and his works, we see that he continues to be a light burning brightly for all to see. 

However, we do not prefer the brightness of Jesus’ light. The sinfulness inside us all prefers, even favors, the darkness of sin. And the problem squarely lies on our shoulders. In a spiritual sense, our sin-stained eyes do not look to Jesus, the burning lamp, but instead continue groping about in the darkness. “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Such darkness has eternal consequences far more severe than SAD. 

March 20 marks the first day of spring. It is a sign, a date on the calendar, that gives hope to those desperately needing to get into the sunlight. When we, with the eyes of faith, see Jesus, the true light, we are assured that the darkness of our sin is no more. Jesus’ sacrifice of his very life gives the light of forgiveness and life to the world, to you, and to me.  

Jesus shares with us the importance of his light: “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you” (Luke 11:33-36). 

College life can be a journey of darkness and sin, with temptation at every turn. Some collegians may not allow the message of salvation and forgiveness to penetrate and dispel the darkness of their souls. May the Lord move them and us to appreciate that God himself, through his Holy Spirt, illumines our souls and preserves the faith in our hearts. 


James Roecker, pastor at Divine Word, Plover, Wisconsin, does campus ministry work at UW–Stevens Point, Stevens Point, Wisconsin.


 

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Author: James D. Roecker
Volume 105, Number 3
Issue: March 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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Romans 8:11

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Philippians 2:6

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Mark 12:30

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Call Report – March 26, 2018

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Pastor, teacher, and staff minister call report

3/20/2018 – 3/26/2018

The call report details when pastors, teachers, and staff ministers change positions within WELS. The Conference of Presidents oversees and coordinates the calling process.

NO DECISION REPORTED

 

Pastors Current call New call Date issued
Rev Stephen Kruschel Trinity LC
Grafton NE
Grace LC
Geneva NE
St John LC
Two Rivers WI
Associate Pastor
2/18/2018
Rev N Halldorson Divine Word LC
Nepean ON Canada
Grace LC
Scroggins TX
Pastor
2/18/2018
Rev Thomas Spiegelberg II Trinity LC
Castries St Lucia
Saving Grace LC
Mobile AL
Pastor
2/18/2018
Rev Robert Guenther Grace LC
Kenai AK
St John’s LC
New Ulm MN
Associate Pastor
2/20/2018
Rev Justin Dauck St Paul LC
Roscoe SD
St John LC
Bowdle SD
Good Shepherd LC
Omaha NE
Pastor
2/21/2018
Rev Ethan Cherney St Paul LC
Green Bay WI
Our Savior LC
Pomona CA
Pastor
2/22/2018
Rev Matthew Minzlaff St John LC
Tomah WI
St Jacob LC
Norwalk WI
St Luke LC
Kenosha WI
Pastor
2/24/2018
Rev Tim Gumm Peace LC
Loves Park IL
St John LC
Doylestown WI
St Stephen LC
Fall River WI
Pastor
2/25/2018
Rev Timothy Spaude St Jacobi LC
Greenfield WI
Lord of Love LC
De Forest WI
Associate Pastor
2/25/2018
Rev Bryan Prell Petra LC
Sauk Rapids MN
Resurrection LC
Verona WI &
Monroe WI
Associate Pastor
2/25/2018
Rev Paul Schmiege King of Kings LC
Willoughby OH
Hope LC
Portland MI
Pastor; Retirement Call
2/28/2018
Rev Kevin Boushek Beautiful Savior LC
La Porte IN
Mount Olive LC
Appleton WI
Associate Pastor
2/28/2018
Rev Jonathan Bauer Good News LC
Mt Horeb WI
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
Mequon WI
Professor; New Testament & practical theology (homiletics)
2/28/2018
Rev Kevin Boushek Beautiful Savior LC
La Porte IN
Mt Calvary LC
Redding CA
Pastor
3/1/2018
Rev William Mayhew New Salem LC
Sebewaing MI
St Paul LC
North Platte NE
St Paul’s LC
Broken Bow NE
Pastor
3/4/2018
Rev Dustin Blumer Amazing Love LC
Frankfort IL
Christ LC
Juneau AK
Pastor
3/4/2018
Rev Dustin Blumer Amazing Love LC
Frankfort IL
Abiding Peace LC
Simpsonville SC
Associate Pastor
3/4/2018
Rev Peter Metzger First LC
Lake Geneva WI
St Peter LC
St. Albert AB Canada
Pastor
3/4/2018
Rev John Strackbein Holy Cross LC
Oklahoma City OK
Bethel LC
Menasha WI
Associate Pastor
3/5/2018
Rev Christopher Esmay Beautiful Savior LC
Topeka KS
Immanuel LC
South Lyon MI
Pastor
3/6/2018
Rev Paul Kuehn Divine Savior LC
Shawano WI
Salem LC
Loretto MN
Associate Pastor
3/6/2018
Rev Paul Micheel St Mark LC
Wallace MI
Holy Cross LC
Daggett MI
St Paul LC
Grant Park IL
Pastor
3/6/2018
Rev Nathan Strutz Resurrection LC
Verona WI
Commission on Evangelism
Waukesha WI
Director
3/8/2018
Rev Mark Westra Prince of Peace LC
Fairport NY
St Paul LC
Onalaska WI
Associate Pastor
3/11/2018
Rev Steven Gabb Gethsemane LC
Los Angeles CA
St Peter LC
Weyauwega WI
Associate Pastor
3/11/2018
Rev Joel Hoff Divine Peace LC
Renton WA
Trinity LC
Neenah WI
Associate Pastor
3/11/2018
Rev Jonathan Brohn Salem LC
Stillwater MN
Nebraska Evangelical Lutheran High School
Waco NE
Pastor
3/11/2018
Rev Justin Cloute Living Savior LC
Missoula MT
St Luke LC
Watertown WI
Associate Pastor
3/11/2018
Rev Peter Walther St Paul LC
Appleton WI
Our Savior’s LC
East Brunswick NJ
Pastor
3/11/2018
Rev Steven Lange Hope LC
Louisville KY
St Paul LC
Saginaw MI
Associate Pastor
3/12/2018
Rev Thomas Spiegelberg II Trinity LC
Castries St Lucia
Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School
Commerce City CO
Pastor
3/13/2018
Rev Eric Hansen St Mark LC
De Pere WI &
Green Bay WI
Crown of Life LC
Corona CA
Pastor
3/14/2018
Rev James Roecker The Word LC
Stevens Point WI
St John LC
Dowagiac MI
Pastor
3/15/2018
Rev Roger Rockhoff Tree of Life LC
Cary NC
Zion LC
Toledo OH
Pastor
3/15/2018
Rev Eric Hansen St Mark LC
De Pere WI &
Green Bay WI
Victory of the Lamb LC
Franklin WI
Associate Pastor
3/15/2018
Rev Joshua Odell St John LC
Phelps WI
Land O’ Lakes Lutheran Outreach
Land O’ Lakes WI
Christ LC
Eagle River WI
St Mark LC
Bemidji MN
Pastor
3/15/2018
Rev Michael Borgwardt Crossroads Church
Chicago IL
Cross of Life LC
Mississauga ON Canada
Pastor
3/18/2018
Rev N Mielke III Ascension LC
Sarasota FL
Grace LC
Oshkosh WI
Associate Pastor
3/18/2018
Rev James Roecker The Word LC
Stevens Point WI
St Andrew’s LC
Saint Paul Park MN
Pastor
3/18/2018
Rev Ryan Wolfe Redeemer LC
Mandan ND
Our Savior’s LC
Port Orange FL
Pastor
3/18/2018
Rev Matthew Martz Lamb of God LC
Phoenix AZ
Abiding Faith LC
Fort Worth TX
Pastor
3/18/2018
Rev Charles Learman Retired Shepherd of the Hills LC
Fredericksburg TX
Pastor
3/18/2018
Rev Jeffrey Grundmeier Our Saviour’s LC
Cedarville MI
Immanuel LC
Sault Sainte Marie MI
Zion LC
Greenleaf WI
Associate Pastor
3/19/2018
Rev Albert Meier II St Luke LC
Jackson MI
St John LC
Bay City MI
Associate Pastor
3/20/2018
Rev Joshua Kesting St Paul LC
Neosho WI
St John LC
Peshtigo WI
Pastor
3/20/2018
Rev David Pagel Bethany LC
Kenosha WI
Mt Olive LC
Suamico WI
Associate Pastor
3/20/2018
Rev Andrew Ewald St John LC
Clare MI
Faith LC
Harrison MI
Emanuel First LC
Lansing MI
Associate Pastor
3/20/2018
Rev Matthew Frey Living Word LC
Montrose CO
St Paul’s LC
Stevensville MI
Associate Pastor
3/20/2018
Rev Paul Brug Shoreland Lutheran High School
Somers WI
Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Saginaw MI
Professor; German
3/22/2018
Rev Stephen Schmiel Faith Evangelical LC
Prior Lake MN
St John LC
Summit SD
Peace LC
Milbank SD
Pastor
3/24/2018
Teachers Current call New call Date issued
Mrs Bailey Scriver Lord of Life LS
Friendswood TX
Teacher; Grades 2-3
2/11/2018
Mrs Michelle Schmidt Faith LS
Fond du Lac WI
Faith LS
Fond du Lac WI
Teacher; Grade 3, Provisional Call
2/18/2018
Mrs Ashley Phillips St Matthew LS
Janesville WI
St Matthew LS
Janesville WI
Teacher; Grades 1-2, One-Year Call
2/25/2018
Mr Daniel Gawrisch Martin Luther College
New Ulm MN
Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School
Jackson WI
Teacher; Physical Education
2/26/2018
Mrs Destinee Fiecko St Paul LS
Wisconsin Rapids WI
Teacher; Grades 3-4
2/26/2018
Mrs Beth Humann Holy Trinity LS
Des Moines WA
Holy Trinity LS
Des Moines WA
Teacher; Grade 1
2/28/2018
Miss Deanna Rahn Wisconsin LS-Middle School (6-8)
Racine WI
Siloah LS
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Grade 3
3/4/2018
Mrs Jennifer Trimmer St Paul LS
Columbus OH
Siloah LS
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Grade 1
3/4/2018
Mrs Jessica Figueroa St John-St James LS
Reedsville WI
ECM Teacher; One-Year, Part-Time Call
3/4/2018
Ms Melody Krause Trinity LS
Kaukauna WI
ECM Teacher; Provisional Call
3/4/2018
Mr Daniel Kasten Bethlehem LS
Hortonville WI
St John LS
Montello WI
Principal & Upper Grades
3/4/2018
Miss Kimberly Ehlke Trinity LS
Caledonia WI
Peace LS
Hartford WI
Teacher; Grade 2
3/4/2018
Mrs Andrea Neumann St Matthew’s LS
Oconomowoc WI
Trinity LS
Kaukauna WI
Teacher; Kindergarten
3/4/2018
Mr Duane Vance Jerusalem LS
Morton Grove IL
Apostles LS
San Jose CA
Principal
3/4/2018
Ms Hannah Stellick Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
St Marcus LS
Milwaukee WI
Lead Teacher; Grade 4
3/5/2018
Miss Anne Hagglund Resurrection LS
Rochester MN
St Marcus LS
Milwaukee WI
Co-Lead Teacher; Grade 5
3/5/2018
Mr Nathan Bauer Garden Homes LS
Milwaukee WI
St Marcus LS
Milwaukee WI
Lead Teacher; Grade 7
3/5/2018
Mr Scott Sievert Illinois Lutheran Elementary School
Crete IL
Lord and Savior LS
Crystal Lake IL
Principal & Grades 5-8
3/6/2018
Mr Gabriel Malliet St John’s LS
Burlington WI
Luther Preparatory School
Watertown WI
Professor; Science
3/6/2018
Miss Jeanine Heller Martin Luther LS
Plzen Czech Republic
Loving Shepherd LS
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Grades 3-4
3/7/2018
Mr Steven Haag First LS
Lake Geneva WI
St Lucas LS
Kewaskum WI
Principal & Grades 5-6
3/7/2018
Mrs Amanda Humann Lambs of Faith Preschool
Tacoma WA
St John LS
Mukwonago WI
ECM Teacher; Half-Time Call
3/7/2018
Mr Brian Humann Faith LS
Tacoma WA
St John LS
Mukwonago WI
Teacher; Grades 3-4
3/7/2018
Mr Scott Brown St Paul LS
Norfolk NE
Prince of Peace LS
Taylorsville UT
Teacher; Grades 3-5
3/8/2018
Mr Michael Chappell Precious Lambs Preschool
Jacksonville FL
St John LS
Hemlock MI
Principal & Upper Grades
3/8/2018
Miss Amanda Koch Bethany LS
Manitowoc WI
Holy Cross LS
Madison WI
Teacher; Upper Grades, Departmentalized
3/8/2018
Mrs Alana Enger St Paul LS
Lake Mills WI
Luther High School
Onalaska WI
Teacher; Physical Education
3/8/2018
Mr David Fulton Grace LS
Oshkosh WI
St Paul LS
Fort Atkinson WI
Principal & Grades 5-8; Departmentalized
3/8/2018
Mr Justin Vilski Prince of Peace LS
Taylorsville UT
Prince of Peace LS
Taylorsville UT
Principal & Grades 6-8
3/8/2018
Mrs Dyann Nommensen Word of Life LS
Milwaukee WI
St Paul LS
Cudahy WI
Teacher; K5
3/11/2018
Mrs Carmen Ristow Zion LS 3K-8th Grade
Hartland WI
Zion LS 3K-8th Grade
Hartland WI
Teacher; Grades 2-3
3/11/2018
Mr Timothy Payne St John’s LS
Newburg WI
Trinity LS
Neenah WI
Principal & Grades 7-8
3/11/2018
Mrs Naomi Porth St Philip LS
Milwaukee WI
Pilgrim LS
Menomonee Falls WI
Teacher; Grades 1-2, Half-Time Call
3/11/2018
Mr Henry Hoenecke Westside Christian School
Middleton WI
Crown of Life Christian Academy
Fort Myers FL
Principal
3/11/2018
Mr Joshua Gorske St Croix Lutheran Academy
West Saint Paul MN
Trinity LS
Caledonia WI
Teacher; Grade 8
3/11/2018
Mr Jason Rupnow Risen Savior LS
Mankato MN
Trinity LS
Caledonia WI
Principal
3/11/2018
Mr Adam Reinhard Little Lambs Preschool
Mandan ND
Grace LS
Portland OR
Teacher; Middle Grades & Staff Minister
3/11/2018
Ms Lynn Marggraf Northdale LS
Tampa FL
Grace LS
Portland OR
Teacher; Lower Grades
3/11/2018
Mr Benton Witte Riverview LS
Appleton WI
St Paul LS
Columbus OH
Teacher; Grades 3-4
3/11/2018
Mr Philip Haefner Trinity LS
Bay City MI
St Martin’s LS
Watertown SD
Principal & Grades 6-8; Departmentalized
3/11/2018
Mr Matthew Groth St Paul’s LS
Saginaw MI
St John’s LS
Jefferson WI
Teacher; Grades 7-8
3/11/2018
Mr Dane Mattes Trinity LS
Brillion WI
Northdale LS
Tampa FL
Principal & Grades 7-8
3/11/2018
Mrs Destinee Fiecko Trinity LS
Marshfield WI
ECM Teacher
3/11/2018
Mrs Lisa Herlich Redeemer LS
Tucson AZ
Teacher; Grades 5-6, Provisional Call
3/11/2018
Mr Michael Peek Redeemer LS
Tucson AZ
Redeemer LS
Tucson AZ
Director of Christian Education
3/11/2018
Miss Meredith Moeller St Matthew LS
Janesville WI
Redeemer LS
Tucson AZ
Teacher; Grades 3-4
3/11/2018
Miss Rachel Petermann Trinity LS
Kiel WI
Mt Calvary LS
Waukesha WI
Teacher; Grade 2
3/11/2018
Mr Perry Lund Evergreen Lutheran High School
Tacoma WA
Peace LS
Kissimmee FL
Teacher; High School Math & Science
3/11/2018
Miss Jennifer Hunt Gethsemane LS
Omaha NE
Zion LS
Monroe MI
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/11/2018
Mrs Ruth Vogt East Fork LS
Whiteriver AZ
St Paul LS
Columbus OH
Teacher; Kindergarten
3/11/2018
Mr Joel Grulke Our Savior LS
Grafton WI
Mt Olive LS
Delano MN
Principal & Grades 6-8
3/11/2018
Mr Steven Bremer Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Milwaukee WI
Nebraska Evangelical Lutheran High School
Waco NE
Principal
3/11/2018
Mrs Tammy Smukowski St Paul LS
Cudahy WI
Teacher; K4
3/11/2018
Mr Darren Vogt East Fork LS
Whiteriver AZ
St Paul LS
Columbus OH
Teacher; Grades 5-6
3/11/2018
Miss Laura Dietrich Prince of Peace LS
Taylorsville UT
Mt Calvary LS
Waukesha WI
Teacher; Grade 1
3/11/2018
Mrs Nicole Maddox St Paul LS
Rapid City SD
St Paul LS
Rapid City SD
ECM Director; Three Quarter-Time Call
3/11/2018
Mrs Jennifer Raasch Pilgrim LS
Menomonee Falls WI
Pilgrim LS
Menomonee Falls WI
ECM Teacher
3/11/2018
Dr Eric Brucker Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School
Commerce City CO
Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School
Commerce City CO
Teacher; Part-Time Call
3/11/2018
Mrs Kristin Sternhagen Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School
Commerce City CO
Teacher; Part-Time Call
3/11/2018
Mrs Allison Hoffmann Bethany Lutheran Preschool
Saginaw MI
Bethany Lutheran Preschool
Saginaw MI
ECM Teacher; Part-Time Call
3/11/2018
Miss Rachel Struck Eastside LS
Madison WI
East Fork Lutheran High School
Whiteriver AZ
Teacher & Coach
3/12/2018
Mr Jeffrey Schoenherr Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School
New Ulm MN
Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
Teacher; High School Math
3/13/2018
Mr Aaron Krause Bethany LS
Manitowoc WI
Faith LS
Antioch IL
Principal & Upper Grades; Departmentalized
3/13/2018
Miss Rachel Taasaas St Matthew LS
Spokane WA
Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
Teacher; Grade 1
3/13/2018
Miss Sarah Seelow St John’s LS
Burlington WI
Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
Teacher; Grade 1
3/13/2018
Mr Jonathan Rosenow Risen Savior LS
Milwaukee WI
Christ-St Peter LS-East Campus
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Grade 1
3/14/2018
Mr Joshua Walker St Paul LS
Livonia MI
St Jacobi LS
Greenfield WI
Principal & Upper Grades; Departmentalized
3/14/2018
Mr Philip Miller St Paul LS
Rapid City SD
St Mark LS
Green Bay WI
Teacher Grade 7
3/15/2018
Ms Shakirah Hudson-Cousins Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Math, Provisional Call
3/15/2018
Mrs Emily Platzer St Paul LS
Columbus OH
Our Savior LS
Grafton WI
Teacher; Grades 1-2, Half-Time Call
3/18/2018
Mr Benjamin Bain St Paul LS
Onalaska WI
St Stephen LS
Beaver Dam WI
Principal & Upper Grades; Departmentalized
3/18/2018
Mrs Susan Pieper Martin Luther LS
Oshkosh WI
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/18/2018
Miss Cassandra Grys Emmanuel LS
Tempe AZ
St John LS
Maribel WI
Teacher; Grades 3-5
3/18/2018
Ms Deborah Heiderich The Genesis Academy
Houston TX
St John LS
Maribel WI
ECM Director
3/18/2018
Mr Russell Klatt Our Redeemer LS
Madison WI
Holy Trinity LS
Des Moines WA
Teacher; Grades 5-6
3/18/2018
Mr Justin Wasser Crown of Life LS
Warren MI
Mt Calvary-Grace LS
La Crosse WI
Teacher; Middle/Upper Grades
3/18/2018
Ms Elizabeth Johnson Christ the King School
Palm Coast FL
St John LS
Redwood Falls MN
Teacher; Grade 2
3/18/2018
Mrs Amy Grulke Our Savior LS
Grafton WI
Mt Olive LS
Delano MN
Teacher; Kindergarten-Grade 2
3/18/2018
Mr Ryan Obry Trinity LS
Hoskins NE
Samuel LS
Marshall MN
Principal & Grades 6-8
3/18/2018
Mr Frederick Zimmerman III St Paul LS
Wonewoc WI
Trinity LS
Waco NE
Principal & Grades 4-8
3/18/2018
Mr Philip Hochmuth St John LS
Maribel WI
St John LS
Maribel WI
Principal & Grades 6-8
3/18/2018
Mr David Leonard Friedens LS
Kenosha WI
Friedens LS
Kenosha WI
Principal; One-Year Call
3/18/2018
Mr David Zank Friedens LS
Kenosha WI
Friedens LS
Kenosha WI
Teacher; Vice Principal, One-Year Call
3/18/2018
Mr Heath Dobberpuhl Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School
New Ulm MN
Arizona Lutheran Academy
Phoenix AZ
Teacher; Science
3/19/2018
Mr Nicholas Raith Grace LC
Saint Joseph MI
St John LS
Libertyville IL
Teacher; Grades 7-8
3/19/2018
Miss Kelly Wardell St Philip LS
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Grade 3
3/19/2018
Prof Timothy Wrobel Luther Preparatory School
Watertown WI
Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
Teacher; High School English
3/19/2018
Miss Katie Koch Atonement LS
Milwaukee WI
St John LS
Libertyville IL
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/19/2018
Mr Corey Marohn St John-St James LS
Reedsville WI
St Paul LS
Wisconsin Rapids WI
Principal
3/19/2018
Ms Deborah Heiderich The Genesis Academy
Houston TX
St Paul LS
Wisconsin Rapids WI
ECM Director
3/19/2018
Mrs Carol Schoenherr St Paul LS
New Ulm MN
Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
Teacher; Grade 3
3/19/2018
Mr Scott Anthony Siloah LS
Milwaukee WI
East Fork LS
Whiteriver AZ
Teacher; Grade 8
3/20/2018
Mrs Darnell Anthony Siloah LS
Milwaukee WI
East Fork LS
Whiteriver AZ
Teacher; Grade 3
3/20/2018
Mr Ryan Oertel Wisconsin Lutheran College
Milwaukee WI
Vice President; Student Life, Provisional Call
3/20/2018
Mrs Alyssa Warnke Jesus Loves Me Learning Center
North Mankato MN
ECM Teacher
3/21/2018
Mr Thomas Stelter Emmanuel LS
Tempe AZ
Grace LS
Saint Joseph MI
Teacher; Grades 5-8, Departmentalized
3/22/2018
Mrs Heidi Groth Christ-St John’s LS
West Salem WI
Samuel LS
Marshall MN
Teacher; Kindergarten
3/22/2018
Mr Shawn Sprewer Kingdom Prep LHS
Milwaukee WI
Administrator; Provisional Call
3/23/2018
Mrs Amy Sullivan Christ our Savior LS
Rockford MI
ECM Teacher; Provisional Call
3/25/2018
Mr Bradley Evers Martin Luther LS
Oshkosh WI
Apostles LS
San Jose CA
Teacher; Grade 4
3/25/2018
Mrs Amanda Glodowski St John LC
Milwaukee WI
St John LS
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Kindergarten
3/25/2018
Mr Andrew Wehausen St John LS
Caledonia MN
St Paul LS
Onalaska WI
Teacher; Grade 4
3/25/2018
Mr Luther Curia St Paul LS
Howards Grove WI
St John LS
Neillsville WI
Teacher; Grades 3-5
3/25/2018
Miss Rachel Nowicki Prairie LS Lower Site
Gibbon MN
Good Shepherd Lutheran Academy
Deltona FL
Teacher; Grade 4
3/25/2018
Mrs Holly Dannecker St John’s LS
Sparta WI
Trinity LS
Jenera OH
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/25/2018
Miss Amanda Ehrenberg St Paul LS
South Haven MI
Faith of a Child Daycare
Oshkosh WI
ECM Director
3/25/2018
Mr Kevin Lemke Trinity LS
Bangor MI
Immanuel LS
Salem OR
Teacher; Grades 6-8
3/25/2018
Mr Aaron Kjenstad Trinity LS
Aberdeen SD
Grace Lutheran Academy
Lowell AR
Principal & Upper Grades
3/25/2018
Mr Brent Sorn Parkland LS
Tacoma WA
Mt Olive LS
Mankato MN
Principal
3/25/2018
Prof David Lecker Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Saginaw MI
Redeemer LS
Fond du Lac WI
Principal & Grades 7-8
3/25/2018
Miss Kristine Krug St Paul LS
Beverly Hills FL
Zion LS
Chesaning MI
Teacher; Grades 2-4
3/25/2018
Miss Karen Luehring Apostles LS
San Jose CA
Shepherd of the Valley LS
Westminster CO
Teacher; Kindergarten-Grade 2
3/25/2018
Mr Aaron Hartwig St Paul LS
North Fond du Lac WI
Shepherd of the Valley LS
Westminster CO
Principal & Grades 6-8
3/25/2018
Miss Julie Detjen Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Appleton WI
Huron Valley Lutheran High School
Westland MI
Teacher; English
3/25/2018
Miss Ju Yeon Moon Beautiful Savior LS
Grove City OH
Jerusalem LS
Morton Grove IL
Teacher
3/25/2018
Mr David Habeck Trinity LS
Caledonia WI
Evergreen Lutheran High School
Tacoma WA
Teacher; One-Year, Retirement Call
3/25/2018
Staff Ministers Current call New call Date issued
Mr Jonathan Favorite CrossWalk Lutheran Ministries
Laveen AZ
St Peter LC – North Campus
Appleton WI
Staff Minister
3/7/2018


CALLS ACCEPTED

 

Pastors Current call New call Date accepted
Rev Michael Helwig Crown of Life LC
Hubertus WI
Lakeside Lutheran High School
Lake Mills WI
Teacher
3/18/2018
Rev Joon Ho Chung Apostles LC
San Jose CA
Peace LC
Santa Clara CA
Pastor
3/21/2018
Rev Peter Hagen Shepherd of the Lakes LC
Fairmont MN
Resurrection LC
Maumee OH
Pastor
3/22/2018
Rev Mark Luetzow Bethel LC
Bay City MI
Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Saginaw MI
President
3/24/2018
Rev Jeffrey Sonntag Crown of Life LC
Cadillac MI
Shining Mountains LC
Bozeman MT
Pastor
3/24/2018
Teachers Current call New call Date accepted
Mrs Laura Heiman Grace Lutheran Child Learning Center
Sahuarita AZ
ECM Director; Provisional Call
3/9/2018
Miss Lindsay Sandwith Redeemer Learning Center
Tomahawk WI
St Peter LS
Weyauwega WI
Teacher; Kindergarten
3/19/2018
Mrs Greta Scharp Mt Calvary LS
Waukesha WI
Bethlehem LS-South
Menomonee Falls WI
Teacher; Grade 4
3/20/2018
Mrs Janeen Roska Star of Bethlehem LS
New Berlin WI
Teacher; Extended Learning Director, Part-Time Call
3/20/2018
Mrs Veronica Vilski Prince of Peace LS
Taylorsville UT
Teacher; Kindergarten & Administrative Release-Time
3/22/2018
Mrs Beverly Bentz Illinois Lutheran Elementary School
Crete IL
Trinity LS
Belle Plaine MN
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/23/2018
Mrs Kelly Tomhave St Paul LC
Lake Mills WI
ECM Teacher; Half-Time Call
3/23/2018
Mrs Sarah Bauer St Mark LS
Citrus Heights CA
St Martin’s LS
Watertown SD
Teacher; TP – Grade 4
3/23/2018
Mrs Elizabeth Loberger Christ the King School
Palm Coast FL
Mount Olive LS
Appleton WI
Teacher; Grade 1, One-Year Call
3/23/2018
Mr Matthew Bauer St Mark LS
Citrus Heights CA
Great Plains Lutheran High School
Watertown SD
Principal
3/23/2018
Mr Bradley Jensen Zion LS
Valentine NE
Morning Star LS
Jackson WI
Teacher; Grade 6
3/23/2018
Mr Levi Dunsmoor St Peter LS
Schofield WI
St Marcus LS
Milwaukee WI
Lead Teacher; Middle School
3/23/2018
Mrs Stefanie Hill Brooklyn Bridge Preschool
Brooklyn Park MN
Brooklyn Bridge Preschool
Brooklyn Park MN
ECM Director
3/23/2018
Mrs Kelly Loberger Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
First German LS
Manitowoc WI
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/25/2018
Mrs Ann Marohn St Paul LC
Howards Grove WI
ECM Teacher; Provisional Call
3/25/2018
Miss Rachel Kramer St John LS
Redwood Falls MN
Emmaus LS
Phoenix AZ
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/25/2018
Mrs Arianna Siegler Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Saginaw MI
Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Saginaw MI
Teacher; Music Instructor, One-Year Call
3/25/2018
Mrs Erika Fletcher Garden Homes LS
Milwaukee WI
ECM Teacher; Provisional Call
3/25/2018
Mrs Charissa Chartrand Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Saginaw MI
Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Saginaw MI
Teacher; Tutor, One-Year Call
3/26/2018
Mr Michael Wiechmann Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Art, Provisional Call
3/26/2018


CALLS DECLINED

 

Pastors Current call New call Date declined
Rev Joel Jaeger Retired Shepherd of the Hills LC
Fredericksburg TX
Pastor
3/17/2018
Rev Brian Krueger Bloomington LC
Bloomington MN
Good Shepherd’s LC
West Allis WI
Associate Pastor
3/19/2018
Rev Mathew Pfeifer Lincoln Heights LC
Des Moines IA
Good Shepherd LC
Sioux Falls SD
Associate Pastor
3/19/2018
Rev Joel Gaertner The Lutheran Home
Belle Plaine MN
Water of Life LC
Las Vegas NV
Pastor
3/20/2018
Rev Mark Voss Divine Grace LC
Lake Orion MI
St Matthew’s LC
Niles IL
Pastor
3/21/2018
Rev Jonathan Schroeder Faith LC
Sharpsburg GA
Bethlehem LC
Menomonee Falls WI
Associate Pastor
3/21/2018
Rev Paul Learman Divine Peace LC
Milwaukee WI
St Paul LC
Wisconsin Rapids WI
Associate Pastor
3/22/2018
Rev Jacob Behnken Good Shepherd LC
Midland MI
New Hope LC
West Melbourne FL
Pastor
3/23/2018
Rev Frederick Schleg Beautiful Savior LC
Everett WA
Christ LC
Merrill WI
Pastor
3/24/2018
Rev Jason Oakland Martin Luther LC
Neenah WI
St John LC
Watertown WI
Associate Pastor
3/24/2018
Rev Daniel Foelske Trinity LC
Mount Carroll IL
St Peter LC
Savanna IL
Grace LC
New London WI
Pastor
3/24/2018
Teachers Current call New call Date declined
Mrs Jill Hagen St Paul LS
Green Bay WI
Teacher; Grades 7-8, Part-Time Call
3/6/2018
Mrs Kelli Baas Trinity LS
Brillion WI
Little Lambs Learning Center
Danube MN
ECM Director
3/12/2018
Mrs Nancy Leifer Faith LS
Tacoma WA
Shepherd of the Valley LS
Westminster CO
Teacher; Kindergarten-Grade 2
3/15/2018
Mr Paul Leifer Faith LS
Tacoma WA
Shepherd of the Valley LS
Westminster CO
Principal & Grades 6-8
3/15/2018
Mrs Lisa Mensching Luther Preparatory School
Watertown WI
Trinity-St Luke Western Ave Campus
Watertown WI
ECM Teacher; Half-Time Call
3/20/2018
Mr Michael Ash Reformation LS
San Diego CA
Manitowoc Lutheran High School
Manitowoc WI
Teacher; Math
3/20/2018
Mr Kevin Needham St Paul’s LS
Saginaw MI
First German LS
Manitowoc WI
Principal & Grades 7-8
3/20/2018
Mr Nathan Schultz Peace LS
Hartford WI
Abiding Word LS
Houston TX
Teacher; Grade 7 & Vice Principal
3/20/2018
Mrs Jillian Igl Trinity LS
West Bend WI
ECM Teacher; One-Year Call
3/21/2018
Mr Kevin Bode Emmanuel LS
Tempe AZ
Zion LS
Columbus WI
Teacher; Grades 5-6
3/22/2018
Mr Daniel Grunewald Salem LS
Milwaukee WI
Siloah LS
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Grade 6
3/23/2018
Mr Paul Schulz St John LS
Manitowoc WI
Peace LS
Sun Prairie WI
Teacher; Grade 6
3/23/2018
Mr John Martin III St John’s LS
Newburg WI
St Paul LS
Howards Grove WI
Teacher; Grades 5-6
3/23/2018
Ms Sylvia Beahm Risen Savior Christian Academy
Pooler GA
Bethany LS
Hustisford WI
ECM Director
3/23/2018
Mrs Renee Jensen Zion LS
Valentine NE
St Peter LS
Weyauwega WI
ECM Teacher & Remedial
3/23/2018
Mr John Kaesmeyer Christ the Lord LS
Brookfield WI
Emmaus LS
Phoenix AZ
Teacher; Grades 5-6
3/24/2018
Mrs Corin Einhardt St Luke’s LS
Vassar MI
St John LS
Montello WI
Teacher; Kindergarten-Grade 1
3/24/2018
Mr Paul Patterson Wisconsin LS-Early Childhood Campus (K4-2)
Racine WI
Garden Homes LS
Milwaukee WI
Principal
3/24/2018
Mr Paul Hoffman St Paul LS
Appleton WI
Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School
New Ulm MN
Teacher; Science
3/24/2018
Mrs Tanya Suprenand Redeemer LS
Fond du Lac WI
St John LS
Lomira WI
ECM Teacher; One-Year, Part-Time Call
3/24/2018
Miss Anne Marquardt Gloria Dei LS
Belmont CA
St John LS
Mukwonago WI
ECM Director
3/24/2018
Mr Luke Scherschel Zion LS
Toledo OH
St Mark LS
Lincoln NE
Principal & Grades 5-8
3/24/2018
Miss Kathleen VanOrman Sola Fide LS
Lawrenceville GA
St Bartholomew LS
Kawkawlin MI
Teacher; Kindergarten
3/24/2018
Miss Stephanie Humann Zion Lutheran Preschool
Mobridge SD
Zion Lutheran Preschool
Valentine NE
ECM Director
3/24/2018
Mrs Kelly Loberger Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
St John LS
Manitowoc WI
Teacher; Middle Grades & Extended Learning
3/25/2018
Mrs Sarah Mayer Luther High School
Onalaska WI
Teacher; Band
3/25/2018
Mr Daniel Rick St John’s LS
Sleepy Eye MN
St Paul LS
Muskego WI
Teacher
3/25/2018
Miss Katherine Rath Evergreen Lutheran High School
Tacoma WA
Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School
New Ulm MN
Teacher; English
3/25/2018
Miss Emily Hunt Christ Our Savior Academy
Columbia TN
St Paul LS
Rapid City SD
Teacher; Kindergarten
3/25/2018
Ms Laura Del Rio Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
Faith LS
Anchorage AK
Teacher; Kindergarten
3/25/2018
Mr Nathan Nolte Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Appleton WI
Nebraska Evangelical Lutheran High School
Waco NE
Teacher; Math
3/26/2018


RESIGNED

 

Teachers Current call Date resigned
Miss Hannah Horn Sienna Lutheran Academy
Missouri City TX
6/30/2018
Mrs Alysa Balfour St Luke LS
Oakfield WI
6/30/2018
Mrs Ruth Walsh Bethany LS
Hustisford WI
6/30/2018


CALLED TO ETERNAL GLORY

 

Teachers Home church Death date
Miss Mary Mieding St Peter LC
Schofield WI
1/8/2018


RETIREMENT

 

Pastors Current call Date retired
Rev Robert Jensen Gethsemane LC
Milwaukee WI
5/31/2018
Rev Raymond Beckmann Good Faith LC
South Cle Elum WA &
Ellensburg WA
6/30/2018
Teachers Current call Date retired
Mrs Lavonne Bratsch Trinity LS
Belle Plaine MN
6/30/2018


LIMITED LENGTH CALL EXPIRED

 

Teachers Current call Date effective
Mr Elijah Riddle St Marcus LC
Milwaukee WI
6/30/2018

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Because Jesus lives

Jesus has overcome death. He lives! God works through believers around the world—even in anti-Christian countries—to share the message of his victory.

Bradley D. Wordell

A recent trip to an Asian nation reminded me of God’s powerful working in the world. God can make flowers blossom in the desert and myrtle trees grow where once there were only briers. God sends the gospel into the darkest corners of the earth and calls precious souls into his marvelous light. And no matter how fiercely the prince of this world roars, he cannot stop the Lord Jesus from tending his flock like a shepherd and from gathering the lambs in his arms close to his heart.

Even in countries where the prince of darkness employs anti-Christian government policies and anti-Christian religion to threaten, abuse, and attempt to snuff out the church, yes, even there, believers remain. It is truly amazing. And those believers not only have faith, they have strong faith, rooted deeply in God’s Word.

How can this be? It’s only because Jesus lives. The kingdom is his, the power is his, and the glory is his, because Jesus lives.

The kingdom is his

Sadly, many non-Christians and, surprisingly, many who call themselves Christian say that it is arrogant and wrong to bring the Bible’s teachings to other cultures. The conventional wisdom of our age says, “Every religion has some truth in it, and every culture is rich and beautiful just the way it is. Don’t go changing the world.”

We might have agreed with that if Jesus had not risen from the dead and if we didn’t know the meaning of his resurrection. God has declared Jesus to be his Son, the Redeemer and Savior of the world. Jesus truly is the Resurrection and the Life. No other religion or culture claims a founder who has risen from the dead. In the one invisible kingdom of God, the risen Christ is king.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and the mission of his church have always been closely connected. On that glorious Easter morning, God sent his angel down from heaven. “Come and see,” he said and added, “Go quickly and tell” (Matthew 28:6,7). Later the risen Savior himself told his disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (v. 19). Shortly before he was taken up before their very eyes, Jesus said to his disciples, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The message of Easter is for every nation, every person.

Sending the gospel across cultures to other parts of the world requires sacrifice, energy, boldness, and determination. Without the clear command of the risen Savior, the church would not have owned this Great Commission. But now we can’t help speaking about this kingdom, because it is the kingdom of Jesus, who is alive forever and ever.

The power is his

In the Asian nation I visited, there are few Christians. While my taxi driver estimated that 15% of his nation’s people are Christian, a recent census indicated that less than 1% confess faith in Jesus.

It is difficult to be a Christian in this country. Confessing faith in Christ immediately brings you down to a very low position in society. Like the lepers in Bible times, you are an outcast and considered unclean. Many won’t want to associate with you, and they will cleanse themselves from impurity if contact occurs.

In the rural areas of this country, people share equipment and work together to farm the land, to sow, and to harvest. But once you confess faith in Jesus, you are on your own. Your neighbors don’t want you to help in their fields, and no one will help you in your fields.

In many remote areas of this country, medical care is not readily available. If someone is gravely sick or badly injured, the people of the community will carry that person many miles to a doctor. But not if you are a Christian—even if you are dying.

If you confess faith in Christ, it is likely that your family will disown you. You are no longer welcome in your parents’ house, your grandparents’ house, or the houses of your siblings. Your chances of receiving government aid during times of famine or natural disaster are very low, and it is more likely that you will have run-ins with police and government officials.

Extremists may burn your house or your school or your place of work to the ground. You may be put in prison and beaten if anyone accuses you of trying to convert people to Christianity. The newspaper and the television news might broadcast false accusations against you. The constitution of the country states that it is illegal to baptize anyone—even your own children—under the age of 18. Clearly, the devil hates Baptism, which connects people to Jesus’ death and resurrection. He uses anti-Christian government and anti-Christian religion to try to prevent it.

But wonder of all wonders, in this environment God has his believers. They are his treasured possession. Flowers in the desert. Myrtle trees, where once there were only briers.

Again, how can this be? And how can there be pastors among them, who know their Bibles well and who encourage and equip and serve these believers? This can only be because the risen and ascended Savior provides leaders for his people. All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Jesus. The church remains and grows, because Jesus lives.

The glory is his

It is our privilege to be supporting Christ’s people in this Asian country. We support them with our offerings, with humanitarian aid, with friendly Christian counsel, with theological training, and with our prayers.

In our nine-day workshop earlier this year, 12 national pastors gathered to study God’s Word and to grow in their ability to feed Christ’s sheep and lambs. These pastors may be lowly in the eyes of their society, but they are faithful, humble shepherds under the risen Christ. They serve with very little reward. They certainly don’t serve for their own glory but for God’s glory and the benefit of his people. They know that the glory belongs to Jesus, because Jesus lives.

This month and in all their weekly worship services, they celebrate the resurrection of their Savior: “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!” They have their hearts set on a better country, because Jesus lives.

Join me in praying for these pastors and the people they serve:

When all their labor seems in vain,
Revive their sinking hopes again;
And when success crowns what they do,
Oh, keep them humble, Lord, and true
Until before your judgment seat
They lay their trophies at your feet. (Christian Worship 542:3)

Our labors and their labors in the Lord are never in vain. Because Jesus lives.


Bradley Wordell, a professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin, is a member at Christ Alone, Thiensville, Wisconsin.


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Author: Bradley D. Wordell
Volume 105, Number 4
Issue: April 2018

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

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Hebrews 12:14

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Galatians 6:1

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Colossians 2:8

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Colossians 2:9

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Matthew 5:44

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

2 Timothy 3:15

And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Good Digital Calendar Stewardship

Just a quick thought today on time stewardship. More and more the demands on our time stack up, almost to the point that we would struggle to function without our digital calendars. They are so handy, especially if you have a smartphone that can display your calendar and allow you manage it from the palm of your hand.

But just knowing where to be when and with who isn’t enough. Yes, your calendar can keep track of all that for you, and even remind you when to get going. Yet the tough stewardship challenge has to do with those meetings that sometimes fill it. I won’t dive into a list of all the meeting management or prep tips that are out there. Perhaps another day. Today I want to just offer up one little one that can make a world of difference in making your meetings more efficient — calendar attachments.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…

Ephesians 5:15-16

Most digital calendar tools allow you to attach documents to individual events. For example, Google Calendar, under the “more options” button in the create event window, allows the upload of almost any kind of document or links to Google Docs right into the meeting entry. Where I’ve found this to be particularly useful is for meeting agendas, reports or other documents that I know I’ll want “at the ready” in prep for or actually during the meeting. I don’t want to have to hunt around different file folders, emails or cloud services for relevant meeting materials. Having to look in only one place, i.e. your calendar entry, is a huge time-saver and stress reliever. If you “invite” or “share” the meeting with other attendees, they too would have access to the same meeting materials. You can even update this over time as more materials become available, avoiding the dreaded string of emails that are sometimes necessary to get everybody all the stuff. If a document get’s updated, especially if it’s a Google Doc, then everybody is going to be able to grab the latest copy just by opening the meeting invite/entry. Sweet.

I recorded a quick 3 minute demo of how this is done in Google Calendar. If you aren’t into Google Calendar, just check whatever tool you use for similar functionality.

Matthew 4:4

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘People do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.””

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Call Report – March 19, 2018

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Pastor, teacher, and staff minister call report

 

3/13/2018 – 3/19/2018

The call report details when pastors, teachers, and staff ministers change positions within WELS. The Conference of Presidents oversees and coordinates the calling process.

NO DECISION REPORTED

 

Pastors Current call New call Date issued
Rev Mark Luetzow Bethel LC
Bay City MI
Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Saginaw MI
President
2/7/2018
Rev Jeffrey Sonntag Crown of Life LC
Cadillac MI
Shining Mountains LC
Bozeman MT
Pastor
2/16/2018
Rev Stephen Kruschel Trinity LC
Grafton NE
Grace LC
Geneva NE
St John LC
Two Rivers WI
Associate Pastor
2/18/2018
Rev Jonathan Schroeder Faith LC
Sharpsburg GA
Bethlehem LC
Menomonee Falls WI
Associate Pastor
2/18/2018
Rev N Halldorson Divine Word LC
Nepean ON Canada
Grace LC
Scroggins TX
Pastor
2/18/2018
Rev Jacob Behnken Good Shepherd LC
Midland MI
New Hope LC
West Melbourne FL
Pastor
2/18/2018
Rev Thomas Spiegelberg II Trinity LC
Castries St Lucia
Saving Grace LC
Mobile AL
Pastor
2/18/2018
Rev Robert Guenther Grace LC
Kenai AK
St John’s LC
New Ulm MN
Associate Pastor
2/20/2018
Rev Michael Helwig Crown of Life LC
Hubertus WI
Lakeside Lutheran High School
Lake Mills WI
Teacher
2/20/2018
Rev Justin Dauck St Paul LC
Roscoe SD
St John LC
Bowdle SD
Good Shepherd LC
Omaha NE
Pastor
2/21/2018
Rev Ethan Cherney St Paul LC
Green Bay WI
Our Savior LC
Pomona CA
Pastor
2/22/2018
Rev Matthew Minzlaff St John LC
Tomah WI
St Jacob LC
Norwalk WI
St Luke LC
Kenosha WI
Pastor
2/24/2018
Rev Daniel Foelske Trinity LC
Mount Carroll IL
St Peter LC
Savanna IL
Grace LC
New London WI
Pastor
2/25/2018
Rev Tim Gumm Peace LC
Loves Park IL
St John LC
Doylestown WI
St Stephen LC
Fall River WI
Pastor
2/25/2018
Rev Brian Krueger Bloomington LC
Bloomington MN
Good Shepherd’s LC
West Allis WI
Associate Pastor
2/25/2018
Rev Timothy Spaude St Jacobi LC
Greenfield WI
Lord of Love LC
De Forest WI
Associate Pastor
2/25/2018
Rev Joel Jaeger Retired Shepherd of the Hills LC
Fredericksburg TX
Pastor
2/25/2018
Rev Mark Voss Divine Grace LC
Lake Orion MI
St Matthew’s LC
Niles IL
Pastor
2/25/2018
Rev Bryan Prell Petra LC
Sauk Rapids MN
Resurrection LC
Verona WI &
Monroe WI
Associate Pastor
2/25/2018
Rev Paul Learman Divine Peace LC
Milwaukee WI
St Paul LC
Wisconsin Rapids WI
Associate Pastor
2/26/2018
Rev Peter Hagen Shepherd of the Lakes LC
Fairmont MN
Resurrection LC
Maumee OH
Pastor
2/27/2018
Rev Joel Gaertner The Lutheran Home
Belle Plaine MN
Water of Life LC
Las Vegas NV
Pastor
2/27/2018
Rev Paul Schmiege King of Kings LC
Willoughby OH
Hope LC
Portland MI
Pastor; Retirement Call
2/28/2018
Rev Kevin Boushek Beautiful Savior LC
La Porte IN
Mount Olive LC
Appleton WI
Associate Pastor
2/28/2018
Rev Jonathan Bauer Good News LC
Mt Horeb WI
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
Mequon WI
Professor; New Testament and practical theology (homiletics)
2/28/2018
Rev Kevin Boushek Beautiful Savior LC
La Porte IN
Mt Calvary LC
Redding CA
Pastor
3/1/2018
Rev Jason Oakland Martin Luther LC
Neenah WI
St John LC
Watertown WI
Associate Pastor
3/1/2018
Rev Mathew Pfeifer Lincoln Heights LC
Des Moines IA
Good Shepherd LC
Sioux Falls SD
Associate Pastor
3/4/2018
Rev William Mayhew New Salem LC
Sebewaing MI
St Paul LC
North Platte NE
St Paul’s LC
Broken Bow NE
Pastor
3/4/2018
Rev Dustin Blumer Amazing Love LC
Frankfort IL
Christ LC
Juneau AK
Pastor
3/4/2018
Rev Dustin Blumer Amazing Love LC
Frankfort IL
Abiding Peace LC
Simpsonville SC
Associate Pastor
3/4/2018
Rev Peter Metzger First LC
Lake Geneva WI
St Peter LC
St. Albert AB Canada
Pastor
3/4/2018
Rev Joon Ho Chung Apostles LC
San Jose CA
Peace LC
Santa Clara CA
Pastor
3/4/2018
Rev John Strackbein Holy Cross LC
Oklahoma City OK
Bethel LC
Menasha WI
Associate Pastor
3/5/2018
Rev Christopher Esmay Beautiful Savior LC
Topeka KS
Immanuel LC
South Lyon MI
Pastor
3/6/2018
Rev Paul Kuehn Divine Savior LC
Shawano WI
Salem LC
Loretto MN
Associate Pastor
3/6/2018
Rev Paul Micheel St Mark LC
Wallace MI
Holy Cross LC
Daggett MI
St Paul LC
Grant Park IL
Pastor
3/6/2018
Rev Nathan Strutz Resurrection LC
Verona WI
Commission on Evangelism
Waukesha WI
Director
3/8/2018
Rev Mark Westra Prince of Peace LC
Fairport NY
St Paul LC
Onalaska WI
Associate Pastor
3/11/2018
Rev Steven Gabb Gethsemane LC
Los Angeles CA
St Peter LC
Weyauwega WI
Associate Pastor
3/11/2018
Rev Joel Hoff Divine Peace LC
Renton WA
Trinity LC
Neenah WI
Associate Pastor
3/11/2018
Rev Frederick Schleg Beautiful Savior LC
Everett WA
Christ LC
Merrill WI
Pastor
3/11/2018
Rev Jonathan Brohn Salem LC
Stillwater MN
Nebraska Evangelical Lutheran High School
Waco NE
Pastor
3/11/2018
Rev Justin Cloute Living Savior LC
Missoula MT
St Luke LC
Watertown WI
Associate Pastor
3/11/2018
Rev Peter Walther St Paul LC
Appleton WI
Our Savior’s LC
East Brunswick NJ
Pastor
3/11/2018
Rev Steven Lange Hope LC
Louisville KY
St Paul LC
Saginaw MI
Associate Pastor
3/12/2018
Rev Thomas Spiegelberg II Trinity LC
Castries St Lucia
Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School
Commerce City CO
Pastor
3/13/2018
Rev Eric Hansen St Mark LC
De Pere WI &
Green Bay WI
Crown of Life LC
Corona CA
Pastor
3/14/2018
Rev James Roecker The Word LC
Stevens Point WI
St John LC
Dowagiac MI
Pastor
3/15/2018
Rev Roger Rockhoff Tree of Life LC
Cary NC
Zion LC
Toledo OH
Pastor
3/15/2018
Rev Eric Hansen St Mark LC
De Pere WI &
Green Bay WI
Victory of the Lamb LC
Franklin WI
Associate Pastor
3/15/2018
Rev Joshua Odell St John LC
Phelps WI
Land O’ Lakes Lutheran Outreach
Land O’ Lakes WI
Christ LC
Eagle River WI
St Mark LC
Bemidji MN
Pastor
3/15/2018
Rev Michael Borgwardt Crossroads Church
Chicago IL
Cross of Life LC
Mississauga ON Canada
Pastor
3/18/2018
Teachers Current call New call Date issued
Mrs Stefanie Hill Brooklyn Bridge Preschool
Brooklyn Park MN
Brooklyn Bridge Preschool
Brooklyn Park MN
ECM Director
1/21/2018
Mrs Kelli Baas Trinity LS
Brillion WI
Little Lambs Learning Center
Danube MN
ECM Director
2/8/2018
Mrs Janeen Roska Star of Bethlehem LS
New Berlin WI
Extended Learning Director; Part-Time Call
2/11/2018
Mrs Bailey Scriver Lord of Life LS
Friendswood TX
Teacher; Grades 2-3
2/11/2018
Mrs Jill Hagen St Paul LS
Green Bay WI
Teacher; Grades 7-8, Part-Time Call
2/11/2018
Mrs Laura Heiman Grace Lutheran Child Learning Center
Sahuarita AZ
ECM Director; Provisional Call
2/18/2018
Mrs Michelle Schmidt Faith LS
Fond du Lac WI
Faith LS
Fond du Lac WI
Teacher; Grade 3, Provisional Call
2/18/2018
Miss Kathleen VanOrman Sola Fide LS
Lawrenceville GA
St Bartholomew LS
Kawkawlin MI
Teacher; Kindergarten
2/25/2018
Miss Lindsay Sandwith Redeemer Learning Center
Tomahawk WI
St Peter LS
Weyauwega WI
Teacher; Kindergarten
2/25/2018
Mrs Nancy Leifer Faith LS
Tacoma WA
Shepherd of the Valley LS
Westminster CO
Teacher; Kindergarten-Grade 2
2/25/2018
Mr Paul Leifer Faith LS
Tacoma WA
Shepherd of the Valley LS
Westminster CO
Principal & Grades 6-8
2/25/2018
Mr Kevin Bode Emmanuel LS
Tempe AZ
Zion LS
Columbus WI
Teacher; Grades 5-6
2/25/2018
Mr Matthew Bauer St Mark LS
Citrus Heights CA
Great Plains Lutheran High School
Watertown SD
Principal
2/25/2018
Miss Anne Marquardt Gloria Dei LS
Belmont CA
St John LS
Mukwonago WI
ECM Director
2/25/2018
Mrs Ashley Phillips St Matthew LS
Janesville WI
St Matthew LS
Janesville WI
Teacher; Grades 1-2, One-Year Call
2/25/2018
Mr Daniel Gawrisch Martin Luther College
New Ulm MN
Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School
Jackson WI
Teacher; Physical Education
2/26/2018
Mrs Destinee Fiecko St Paul LS
Wisconsin Rapids WI
Teacher; Grades 3-4
2/26/2018
Mr Luke Scherschel Zion LS
Toledo OH
St Mark LS
Lincoln NE
Principal & Grades 5-8
2/27/2018
Mr Paul Hoffman St Paul LS
Appleton WI
Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School
New Ulm MN
Teacher; Science
2/27/2018
Miss Katherine Rath Evergreen Lutheran High School
Tacoma WA
Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School
New Ulm MN
Teacher; English
2/27/2018
Mr Paul Patterson Wisconsin LS-Early Childhood Campus (K4-2)
Racine WI
Garden Homes LS
Milwaukee WI
Principal
2/28/2018
Mr Kevin Needham St Paul’s LS
Saginaw MI
First German LS
Manitowoc WI
Principal & Grades 7-8
2/28/2018
Mrs Erika Fletcher Garden Homes LS
Milwaukee WI
3K Teacher; Provisional Call
2/28/2018
Mr Daniel Rick St John’s LS
Sleepy Eye MN
St Paul LS
Muskego WI
Teacher
2/28/2018
Mrs Elizabeth Loberger Christ the King School
Palm Coast FL
Mount Olive LS
Appleton WI
Teacher; Grade 1, One-Year Call
2/28/2018
Mrs Beth Humann Holy Trinity LS
Des Moines WA
Holy Trinity LS
Des Moines WA
Teacher; Grade 1
2/28/2018
Miss Deanna Rahn Wisconsin LS-Middle School (6-8)
Racine WI
Siloah LS
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Grade 3
3/4/2018
Mrs Jennifer Trimmer St Paul LS
Columbus OH
Siloah LS
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Grade 1
3/4/2018
Mr Daniel Grunewald Salem LS
Milwaukee WI
Siloah LS
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Grade 6
3/4/2018
Ms Sylvia Beahm Risen Savior Christian Academy
Pooler GA
Bethany LS
Hustisford WI
ECM Director
3/4/2018
Mr John Martin III St John’s LS
Newburg WI
St Paul LS
Howards Grove WI
Teacher; Grades 5-6
3/4/2018
Mrs Jessica Figueroa St John-St James LS
Reedsville WI
ECM Teacher; One-Year, Part-Time Call
3/4/2018
Miss Stephanie Humann Zion Lutheran Preschool
Mobridge SD
Zion Lutheran Preschool
Valentine NE
ECM Director
3/4/2018
Mrs Beverly Bentz Illinois Lutheran Elementary School
Crete IL
Trinity LS
Belle Plaine MN
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/4/2018
Mr Bradley Jensen Zion LS
Valentine NE
Morning Star LS
Jackson WI
Teacher; Grade 6
3/4/2018
Mr Daniel Kasten Bethlehem LS
Hortonville WI
St John LS
Montello WI
Principal & Upper Grades
3/4/2018
Miss Kimberly Ehlke Trinity LS
Caledonia WI
Peace LS
Hartford WI
Teacher; Grade 2
3/4/2018
Mr Paul Schulz St John LS
Manitowoc WI
Peace LS
Sun Prairie WI
Teacher; Grade 6
3/4/2018
Mrs Andrea Neumann St Matthew’s LS
Oconomowoc WI
Trinity LS
Kaukauna WI
Teacher; Kindergarten
3/4/2018
Mrs Greta Scharp Mt Calvary LS
Waukesha WI
Bethlehem LS-South
Menomonee Falls WI
Teacher; Grade 4
3/4/2018
Mr Duane Vance Jerusalem LS
Morton Grove IL
Apostles LS
San Jose CA
Principal
3/4/2018
Mr John Kaesmeyer Christ the Lord LS
Brookfield WI
Emmaus LS
Phoenix AZ
Teacher; Grades 5-6
3/4/2018
Miss Rachel Kramer St John LS
Redwood Falls MN
Emmaus LS
Phoenix AZ
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/4/2018
Mr Nathan Schultz Peace LS
Hartford WI
Abiding Word LS
Houston TX
Teacher; Grade 7 & Vice Principal
3/4/2018
Ms Melody Krouse Trinity LS
Kaukauna WI
ECM Director; Provisional Call
3/4/2018
Mrs Lisa Mensching Luther Preparatory School
Watertown WI
Trinity-St Luke Western Ave Campus
Watertown WI
ECM Teacher; Half-Time Call
3/4/2018
Mrs Corin Einhardt St Luke’s LS
Vassar MI
St John LS
Montello WI
Teacher; Kindergarten-Grade 1
3/4/2018
Ms Hannah Stellick Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
St Marcus LS
Milwaukee WI
Lead Teacher; Grade 4
3/5/2018
Miss Anne Hagglund Resurrection LS
Rochester MN
St Marcus LS
Milwaukee WI
Co-Lead Teacher; Grade 5
3/5/2018
Mr Nathan Bauer Garden Homes LS
Milwaukee WI
St Marcus LS
Milwaukee WI
Lead Teacher; Grade 7
3/5/2018
Mr Levi Dunsmoor St Peter LS
Schofield WI
St Marcus LS
Milwaukee WI
Lead Teacher; Middle School
3/5/2018
Mr Michael Ash Reformation LS
San Diego CA
Manitowoc Lutheran High School
Manitowoc WI
Teacher; Math
3/6/2018
Mr Scott Sievert Illinois Lutheran Elementary School
Crete IL
Lord and Savior LS
Crystal Lake IL
Principal & Grades 5-8
3/6/2018
Mr Gabriel Malliet St John’s LS
Burlington WI
Luther Preparatory School
Watertown WI
Professor; Science
3/6/2018
Miss Jeanine Heller Loving Shepherd LS
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Grades 3-4
3/7/2018
Mr Steven Haag First LS
Lake Geneva WI
St Lucas LS
Kewaskum WI
Principal & Grades 5-6
3/7/2018
Mrs Amanda Humann Lambs of Faith Preschool
Tacoma WA
St John LS
Mukwonago WI
ECM Teacher; Half-Time Call
3/7/2018
Mr Brian Humann Faith LS
Tacoma WA
St John LS
Mukwonago WI
Teacher; Grades 3-4
3/7/2018
Mr Scott Brown St Paul LS
Norfolk NE
Prince of Peace LS
Taylorsville UT
Teacher; Grades 3-5
3/8/2018
Mr Michael Chappell Precious Lambs Preschool
Jacksonville FL
St John LS
Hemlock MI
Principal & Upper Grades
3/8/2018
Miss Amanda Koch Bethany LS
Manitowoc WI
Holy Cross LS
Madison WI
Teacher; Upper Grades, Departmentalized
3/8/2018
Mrs Sarah Mayer Luther High School
Onalaska WI
Teacher; Band
3/8/2018
Mrs Alana Enger St Paul LS
Lake Mills WI
Luther High School
Onalaska WI
Teacher; Physical Education
3/8/2018
Mr David Fulton Grace LS
Oshkosh WI
St Paul LS
Fort Atkinson WI
Principal & Grades 5-8, Departmentalized
3/8/2018
Mrs Veronica Vilski Prince of Peace LS
Taylorsville UT
Teacher; Kindergarten & Administrative Release-Time
3/8/2018
Mr Justin Vilski Prince of Peace LS
Taylorsville UT
Prince of Peace LS
Taylorsville UT
Principal & Grades 6-8
3/8/2018
Mrs Dyann Nommensen Word of Life LS
Milwaukee WI
St Paul LS
Cudahy WI
Teacher; K5
3/11/2018
Mrs Carmen Ristow Zion LS 3K-8th Grade
Hartland WI
Zion LS 3K-8th Grade
Hartland WI
Teacher; Grades 2-3
3/11/2018
Mr Timothy Payne St John’s LS
Newburg WI
Trinity LS
Neenah WI
Principal & Grades 7-8
3/11/2018
Mrs Naomi Porth St Philip LS
Milwaukee WI
Pilgrim LS
Menomonee Falls WI
Teacher; Grades 1-2, Half-Time Call
3/11/2018
Miss Emily Hunt Christ Our Savior Academy
Columbia TN
St Paul LS
Rapid City SD
Teacher; Kindergarten
3/11/2018
Ms Laura Del Rio Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
Faith LS
Anchorage AK
Teacher; Kindergarten
3/11/2018
Mr Henry Hoenecke Westside Christian School
Middleton WI
Crown of Life Christian Academy
Fort Myers FL
Principal
3/11/2018
Mr Joshua Gorske St Croix Lutheran Academy
West Saint Paul MN
Trinity LS
Caledonia WI
Teacher; Grade 8
3/11/2018
Mr Jason Rupnow Risen Savior LS
Mankato MN
Trinity LS
Caledonia WI
Principal
3/11/2018
Mr Adam Reinhard Little Lambs Preschool
Mandan ND
Grace LS
Portland OR
Teacher; Middle Grades & Staff Minister
3/11/2018
Ms Lynn Marggraf Northdale LS
Tampa FL
Grace LS
Portland OR
Teacher; Lower Grades
3/11/2018
Mr Benton Witte Riverview LS
Appleton WI
St Paul LS
Columbus OH
Teacher; Grades 3-4
3/11/2018
Mr Philip Haefner Trinity LS
Bay City MI
St Martin’s LS
Watertown SD
Principal & Grades 6-8; Departmentalized
3/11/2018
Mrs Sarah Bauer St Mark LS
Citrus Heights CA
St Martin’s LS
Watertown SD
Teacher; TP-Grade 4
3/11/2018
Mrs Renee Jensen Zion LS
Valentine NE
St Peter LS
Weyauwega WI
ECM Teacher & Remedial
3/11/2018
Mr Matthew Groth St Paul’s LS
Saginaw MI
St John’s LS
Jefferson WI
Teacher; Grades 7-8
3/11/2018
Mr Dane Mattes Trinity LS
Brillion WI
Northdale LS
Tampa FL
Principal & Grades 7-8
3/11/2018
Mrs Destinee Fiecko Trinity LS
Marshfield WI
ECM Teacher
3/11/2018
Mrs Lisa Herlich Redeemer LS
Tucson AZ
Teacher; Grades 5-6, Provisional Call
3/11/2018
Mr Michael Peek Redeemer LS
Tucson AZ
Redeemer LS
Tucson AZ
Director of Christian Education
3/11/2018
Miss Meredith Moeller St Matthew LS
Janesville WI
Redeemer LS
Tucson AZ
Teacher; Grades 3-4
3/11/2018
Miss Rachel Petermann Trinity LS
Kiel WI
Mt Calvary LS
Waukesha WI
Teacher; Grade 2
3/11/2018
Mr Perry Lund Evergreen Lutheran High School
Tacoma WA
Peace LS
Kissimmee FL
Teacher; High School Math & Science
3/11/2018
Miss Jennifer Hunt Gethsemane LS
Omaha NE
Zion LS
Monroe MI
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/11/2018
Mrs Ruth Vogt East Fork LS
Whiteriver AZ
St Paul LS
Columbus OH
Teacher; Kindergarten
3/11/2018
Mrs Kelly Loberger Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
First German LS
Manitowoc WI
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/11/2018
Mr Joel Grulke Our Savior LS
Grafton WI
Mt Olive LS
Delano MN
Principal & Grades 6-8
3/11/2018
Mr Steven Bremer Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Milwaukee WI
Nebraska Evangelical Lutheran High School
Waco NE
Principal
3/11/2018
Mrs Tammy Smukowski St Paul LS
Cudahy WI
Teacher; K4
3/11/2018
Mr Darren Vogt East Fork LS
Whiteriver AZ
St Paul LS
Columbus OH
Teacher; Grades 5-6
3/11/2018
Miss Laura Dietrich Prince of Peace LS
Taylorsville UT
Mt Calvary LS
Waukesha WI
Teacher; Grade 1
3/11/2018
Mrs Kelly Loberger Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
St John LS
Manitowoc WI
Teacher; Middle Grades & Extended Learning
3/11/2018
Mr Nathan Nolte Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Appleton WI
Nebraska Evangelical Lutheran High School
Waco NE
Teacher; Math
3/11/2018
Mrs Nicole Maddox St Paul LS
Rapid City SD
St Paul LS
Rapid City SD
ECM Director; Three Quarter-Time Call
3/11/2018
Mrs Jennifer Raasch Pilgrim LS
Menomonee Falls WI
Pilgrim LS
Menomonee Falls WI
ECM Teacher
3/11/2018
Dr Eric Brucker Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School
Commerce City CO
Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School
Commerce City CO
Teacher; Part-Time Call
3/11/2018
Mrs Kristin Sternhagen Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School
Commerce City CO
Teacher; Part-Time Call
3/11/2018
Mrs Allison Hoffmann Bethany Lutheran Preschool
Saginaw MI
Bethany Lutheran Preschool
Saginaw MI
ECM Director; Part-Time Call
3/11/2018
Miss Rachel Struck Eastside LS
Madison WI
East Fork Lutheran High School
Whiteriver AZ
Teacher & Coach
3/12/2018
Mr Jeffrey Schoenherr Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School
New Ulm MN
Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
Teacher; High School Math
3/13/2018
Mr Aaron Krause Bethany LS
Manitowoc WI
Faith LS
Antioch IL
Principal & Upper Grades; Departmentalized
3/13/2018
Miss Rachel Taasaas St Matthew LS
Spokane WA
Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
Teacher; Grade 1
3/13/2018
Miss Sarah Seelow St John’s LS
Burlington WI
Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
Teacher; Grade 1
3/13/2018
Mrs Arianna Siegler Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Saginaw MI
Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Saginaw MI
Teacher; Music Instructor, One-Year Call
3/13/2018
Mrs Kelly Tomhave St Paul LC
Lake Mills WI
ECM Teacher; Half-Time Call
3/14/2018
Mr Jonathan Rosenow Risen Savior LS
Milwaukee WI
Christ-St Peter LS-East Campus
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Grade 1
3/14/2018
Mr Joshua Walker St Paul LS
Livonia MI
St Jacobi LS
Greenfield WI
Principal & Upper Grades; Departmentalized
3/14/2018
Mrs Jillian Igl Trinity LS
West Bend WI
ECM Teacher; One-Year Call
3/15/2018
Mr Philip Miller St Paul LS
Rapid City SD
St Mark LS
Green Bay WI
Teacher; Grade 7
3/15/2018
Mr Michael Wiechmann Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Art, Provisional Call
3/15/2018
Ms Shakirah Hudson-Cousins Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Milwaukee WI
Teacher; Math, Provisional Call
3/15/2018
Mrs Emily Platzer St Paul LS
Columbus OH
Our Savior LS
Grafton WI
Teacher; Grades 1-2, Half-Time Call
3/18/2018
Mr Benjamin Bain St Paul LS
Onalaska WI
St Stephen LS
Beaver Dam WI
Principal & Upper Grades; Departmentalized
3/18/2018
Mrs Ann Marohn St Paul LC
Howards Grove WI
ECM Teacher; Provisional Call
3/18/2018
Mrs Susan Pieper Martin Luther LS
Oshkosh WI
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/18/2018
Miss Cassandra Grys Emmanuel LS
Tempe AZ
St John LS
Maribel WI
Teacher; Grades 3-5
3/18/2018
Ms Deborah Heiderich The Genesis Academy
Houston TX
St John LS
Maribel WI
ECM Director
3/18/2018
Mr Russell Klatt Our Redeemer LS
Madison WI
Holy Trinity LS
Des Moines WA
Teacher; Grades 5-6
3/18/2018
Mr Justin Wasser Crown of Life LS
Warren MI
Mt Calvary-Grace LS
La Crosse WI
Teacher; Middle/Upper Grades
3/18/2018
Ms Elizabeth Johnson Christ the King School
Palm Coast FL
St John LS
Redwood Falls MN
Teacher; Grade 2
3/18/2018
Mrs Amy Grulke Our Savior LS
Grafton WI
Mt Olive LS
Delano MN
Teacher; Kindergarten-Grade 2
3/18/2018
Mr Ryan Obry Trinity LS
Hoskins NE
Samuel LS
Marshall MN
Principal & Grades 6-8
3/18/2018
Mr Frederick Zimmerman III St Paul LS
Wonewoc WI
Trinity LS
Waco NE
Principal & Grades 4-8
3/18/2018
Mr Philip Hochmuth St John LS
Maribel WI
St John LS
Maribel WI
Principal & Grades 6-8
3/18/2018
Staff Ministers Current call New call Date issued
Mr Jonathan Favorite CrossWalk Lutheran Ministries
Laveen AZ
St Peter LC – North Campus
Appleton WI
Staff Minister
3/7/2018


CALLS ACCEPTED

 

Pastors Current call New call Date accepted
Rev Robert Jensen Gethsemane LC
Milwaukee WI
Living Water LC
Hot Springs Village AR
Pastor
3/12/2018
Rev Kenneth Kratz St Paul LC
Green Bay WI
Immanuel LC
Kewaunee WI
Pastor; Pulpit Assistant
3/13/2018
Rev Benjamin Golisch King of Kings LC
Maitland FL
St Paul LC
Slinger WI
Associate Pastor
3/17/2018
Rev Matthew Schwartz Good Shepherd LC
Downers Grove IL
St Luke LC
Oakfield WI
Pastor
3/17/2018
Rev Jonathan Enter Divine Savior LC-West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach FL
St Croix Lutheran Academy
West Saint Paul MN
Teacher; Religion
3/17/2018
Teachers Current call New call Date accepted
Mrs Molly Parsons Faith LS
Fond du Lac WI
Faith LS
Fond du Lac WI
Teacher; Primary Grades, Provisional Call
3/12/2018
Mr Nathan Deering Trinity LS
Marinette WI
Lord of Life LS
Thornton CO
Teacher; Grades 4-6
3/12/2018
Mr Jonathan Beilke Salem LS-Greenfield MN
Greenfield MN
Grace LS
Saint Joseph MI
Principal & Upper Grades; Departmentalized
3/13/2018
Mr Dale Rundgren St Paul LS
Beverly Hills FL
Teacher; Grades 5-6
3/14/2018
Mrs Anneliese Gumm Trinity LS
Nicollet MN
Trinity LS
Nicollet MN
Teacher; Middle Grades, Half-Time Call
3/15/2018
Mrs Marjorie Bentz Peace LS
Hartford WI
Peace LS
Hartford WI
ECM Teacher; Part-Time Call
3/15/2018
Mr Nathan King Manitowoc Lutheran High School
Manitowoc WI
Manitowoc Lutheran High School
Manitowoc WI
Teacher; International Student Director, Provisional Call
3/15/2018
Mrs Michelle Schliewe St Paul LS
Livonia MI
St Paul LS
Livonia MI
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/16/2018
Mrs Sarah Horn St Matthew LS
Iron Ridge WI
Teacher; Grades 5-6, One-Year, Half-Time Call
3/17/2018
Miss Jessica Neumann Grace LS
Glendale AZ
St John LS
Mukwonago WI
Teacher; Grades 1-2
3/17/2018
Mr Matthew Rydecki Trinity LS
Waukesha WI
Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School
Jackson WI
Teacher; Word of God & English
3/17/2018
Miss Emilee Plocher Grace LS
Saint Joseph MI
Christ LS
North Saint Paul MN
Teacher; Grade 2, One-Year Call
3/18/2018
Staff Ministers Current call New call Date accepted
Mr Steven Bruns Prison Ministry
New Ulm MN
Administrator
3/19/2018


CALLS DECLINED

 

Pastors Current call New call Date declined
Rev John Holtz Malawi Mission Friendly Counselor
South Asia
3/12/2018
Rev Seth Dorn St Stephen LC
Beaver Dam WI
Calvary LC
Sheboygan WI
Pastor
3/14/2018
Rev Jacob Scott Zion LC
Arlington WI
St Paul’s LC
Stevensville MI
Associate Pastor
3/16/2018
Rev Ross Else Emmaus LC
Phoenix AZ
Trinity LC
El Paso TX
Pastor
3/17/2018
Rev Ernst Zimdars Retired Evangelical Lutheran Confessional Church of Mexico 3/16/2018
Rev Michael Seifert Living Hope LC
Midlothian VA
Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Saginaw MI
Professor; German
3/19/2018
Teachers Current call New call Date declined
Mr Daniel Bredendick St Paul First LS
North Hollywood CA
East Fork LS
Whiteriver AZ
Teacher; Grade 8
3/12/2018
Mrs Kristi Bredendick St Paul First LS
North Hollywood CA
East Fork LS
Whiteriver AZ
Teacher; Grade 3
3/12/2018
Miss Cheryl Henckel Good Shepherd LS
West Bend WI
Faith of a Child Daycare
Oshkosh WI
ECM Director
3/13/2018
Mrs Jamie Walta Faith LS
Fond du Lac WI
St Paul LS
Wisconsin Rapids WI
ECM Director
3/13/2018
Mr Kristian Walta Faith LS
Fond du Lac WI
St Paul LS
Wisconsin Rapids WI
Principal
3/13/2018
Miss Naomi Vieth St John LS
Saginaw MI
Good Shepherd Lutheran Academy
Deltona FL
Teacher; Grade 4
3/13/2018
Mr Benjamin Schramm First LS
Elkhorn WI
Samuel LS
Marshall MN
Principal & Grades 6-8
3/14/2018
Mr Kurt Gosdeck St Mark LS
Green Bay WI
Trinity LS
Marinette WI
Principal & Grades 5-8
3/15/2018
Mrs Kristine Wegner St Marcus LS
Milwaukee WI
Bethlehem LS-North
Germantown WI
ECM Director
3/15/2018
Mrs Terry Buske St John LS
Wauwatosa WI
St Marcus LS
Milwaukee WI
Lead Teacher; Primary Grades
3/15/2018
Ms Maria Gines Zion LS
Monroe MI
Victory Preschool
Jacksonville FL
Director
3/15/2018
Mrs Mary Harris St Paul LS
South Haven MI
St Matthew’s LS
Oconomowoc WI
Teacher; Grade 5
3/16/2018
Mr Andrew Van Weele Lord of Life LS
Friendswood TX
Redeemer LS
Fond du Lac WI
Principal & Grades 7-8
3/16/2018
Prof Naomi Fritz Luther Preparatory School
Watertown WI
Zion LS
Chesaning MI
Teacher; Grades 2-4
3/16/2018
Miss Brittni Wentzel Good Shepherd Lutheran Academy
Deltona FL
Samuel LS
Marshall MN
Teacher; Kindergarten
3/16/2018
Mrs Laura Schultz Trinity-St Luke Western Ave Campus
Watertown WI
Trinity LS
Brillion WI
Teacher; Grade 3-4
3/17/2018
Mrs Kirsten George Cross of Christ LS
Coon Rapids MN
ECM Director
3/17/2018
Mr Adam Pavelchik Peace LS
Kissimmee FL
Mt Olive LS
Mankato MN
Principal
3/17/2018
Mr Stephen Gurgel St Paul LS
Rapid City SD
Lamb of God LS
West Allis WI
Principal & Grades 7-8
3/17/2018
Miss Megan Bauer Beautiful Savior LS
Grove City OH
Divine Grace LS
Lake Orion MI
Teacher; Grades 3-5
3/17/2018
Mr Christopher Denney Bethany LS
Port Orchard WA
Trinity LS
Belle Plaine MN
Teacher; Grades 5-6
3/18/2018
Mrs Katie Denney Bethany LS
Port Orchard WA
Trinity LS
Belle Plaine MN
ECM Teacher; Half-Time Call
3/18/2018
Mr Joel Kramer Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Appleton WI
Illinois Lutheran High School
Crete IL
Teacher; Dean of Students
3/19/2018
Mr Paul Huebner Shoreland Lutheran High School
Somers WI
Illinois Lutheran High School
Crete IL
Teacher; Math
3/19/2018


RESIGNED

 

Teachers Current call Date resigned
Mrs Kathryn Rundgren Mt Olive LS
Overland Park KS
6/30/2018
Mr Jonathan Romsdahl Divine Savior Lutheran Academy
Doral FL
6/30/2018


CALLED TO ETERNAL GLORY

 

Teachers Home church Death date
Mrs Nadine Krueger Christ LC
Big Bend WI
3/9/2018
Staff Ministers Home church Death date
Mr Laurence Clark Mt Calvary LC
La Crosse WI
3/14/2018


RETIREMENT

 

Pastors Current call Date retired
Rev Raymond Beckmann Good Faith LC
South Cle Elum WA
6/30/2018
Teachers Current call Date retired
Mr David Habeck Trinity LS
Caledonia WI
6/30/2018
Prof J Lance Hartzell Martin Luther College
New Ulm MN
6/30/2018
Mrs Patricia Alsch Bethlehem LS-North
Germantown WI
6/30/2018


LIMITED LENGTH CALL EXPIRED

 

Teachers Current call Date effective
Mrs Shelley DeCleene St John LS
Maribel WI
6/30/2018

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Luke 6:27

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,”

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.