Boy, I can’t help but see the connections!
​
We just ended a Zoom session with the students from the Innovation Class at Luther Seminary. The course is taught by Dwight Zscheile, author of The Agile Church and Leading Faithful Innovation. Over the past couple of months, we have partnered with a group of students who have been listening carefully to young adults connected with our congregation — hearing about their lives, their needs, and their faith journeys.
 
The students identified strengths within Resurrection, common themes among the young adults they interviewed, and what they called “prototypes” — what we in Adventures in Renewal might call ministry experiments. As I listened to their presentation, I was struck by how deeply their findings connected with who we already are through our Mission, Vision, Values, and even our Land Use Plan.
 
Our Values Statement says that we are committed to “embracing all people as they are, cultivating a culture of joyful relationships, and caring for the earth, each other, and the whole human family.” The young adults consistently described Resurrection as welcoming, inclusive, loving, and community-oriented. Every person interviewed said they were drawn to this congregation because they felt accepted here. In a world where many people feel isolated, divided, or judged, that kind of radical welcome is not a small thing — it is a powerful witness to God’s love.
 
Several young adults spoke about appreciating our worship style as “sacred but mellow.” They valued that worship here feels authentic, grounded, and meaningful without feeling rigid or performative. That, too, reflects our Mission: “To Celebrate God’s love, To Grow in our love for Jesus, and To Share that love with each other and with all God’s creation.” Worship that is both sacred and accessible creates space for people to encounter God honestly and fully.
 
The students also noted that nearly every participant expressed a strong connection to God through nature. That immediately brought to mind our Land Use Plan and the exciting possibilities it holds. Our plans for outdoor worship spaces, walking paths, meditation garden, gathering areas, and recreation spaces are not simply property improvements — they are ministries. They are opportunities to help people experience God’s presence in creation, to build relationships, and to serve our wider community. The recommendation for a “Nature Church” ministry experiment feels like a natural extension of both our values and our vision for how our property can become a blessing not only for our congregation but for our neighbors as well.
 
Another strong theme from the interviews was the desire for authentic relationships and meaningful community. Many young adults spoke openly about loneliness, anxiety, and the pressures of adult responsibilities — parenting, finances, housing, careers, and navigating a deeply divided political climate. Yet they also expressed hope: hope that others their age could discover Resurrection as a place of belonging, compassion, and service.
 
That longing for connection speaks directly to our Vision Statement: “Strive to become a community where God’s love and our lives connect.” The seminary students’ recommendation for a Faith Mentor ministry — pairing younger and older members in relationships of encouragement, conversation, and shared faith — beautifully reflects the kind of intergenerational community we aspire to be. It reminds us that the church is at its best when we walk alongside one another through every stage of life.
 
I was also encouraged that many participants expressed interest in faith study, theological conversation, and opportunities to ask difficult questions. Young adults are not looking for shallow answers or surface-level spirituality. They are looking for honest faith communities where questions are welcomed and where faith connects meaningfully to real life. That desire represents an incredible opportunity for Resurrection to continue growing as a place of thoughtful, grace-filled discipleship.
 
This process with the seminary students has been a wonderful “dip of the toe” into Adventures in Renewal. Their emphasis on listening has been especially meaningful. Before proposing solutions or programs, they first listened deeply — and in doing so they helped uncover not only the needs of young adults, but also the many gifts already present within this congregation.
 
Sometimes we can become so focused on what churches across the country are struggling with that we forget to recognize the genuine strengths God has already nurtured among us. This experience reminded me that Resurrection already embodies many of the things people are longing for: authentic welcome, meaningful relationships, opportunities for service, thoughtful faith conversations, care for creation, and a community rooted in love and grace.
That is something worth celebrating!
 
As we continue this journey together, I am filled with hope. Hope not because we have all the answers, but because God is already at work among us. God has formed in this place a beloved faith community that joyfully shares Christ’s love, welcomes people as they are, and seeks to serve both neighbor and creation with generosity and compassion.
 
I look forward to seeing where the Spirit leads us next.
 
Grace and peace,
 Tom

This month, I want to share an update on one of the meaningful and energizing ministries growing within our Resurrection family. Last Saturday marked the third meeting of our newly named “Love in Action” Team—a group rooted deeply in our shared calling to live out Christ’s love in tangible ways.
Formerly known as the Rapid Response Team, “Love in Action” more clearly reflects both the spirit and purpose of this work. The team exists to respond quickly, compassionately, and faithfully when urgent needs arise in our community. Grounded in our ELCA Baptismal Covenant, we are guided by the call to live among God’s faithful people, serve all people following the example of Jesus, and strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
This ministry is shaped by a set of core principles: responding with love rather than fear, centering the most vulnerable, acting with humility and in partnership, practicing nonviolence and de-escalation, remaining accountable to congregational leadership, and building long-term solidarity. Importantly, this team is not creating new programs, but instead focusing on strengthening connections—building relationships and linking people in need with existing, trusted resources.
Already, the team has begun cultivating relationships and gathering information related to hunger, immigration, and LGBTQ+ support, with the long-term goal of expanding to serve all marginalized communities. They are compiling resource lists to help connect individuals with services that can meet their needs. This has included exploring food delivery options through local pantries, reaching out to area school districts to connect with social workers and counselors (especially around support for LGBTQ+ youth), and researching mental health resources across both Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.
We have also begun a meaningful partnership with Pastor Edwin Aparicio of Ascension Lutheran in Waukesha. Through conversation and listening, we are discerning ways to support members of their Latino and Hispanic community who are navigating the complexities and challenges of our immigration system. As a first step, we are taking inventory of gift cards that have been donated to Resurrection for emergency needs and exploring the possibility of sharing any surplus with Ascension. In addition, Pastor Edwin emphasized how much simple acts of care—like cards of encouragement and prayer—mean to those facing uncertainty, family separation, and difficult decisions. On April 12, after worship, many of you took time to sign cards expressing love and solidarity. Thank you for that powerful witness of compassion.
At its heart, this work is nothing new—it is the Gospel lived out. Jesus consistently turned toward those on the margins, meeting immediate needs while restoring dignity, connection, and hope. He calls us not just to feel compassion, but to act on it. The “Love in Action” Team is one way we, as a congregation, are embodying that call—showing up with open hands, open hearts, and a willingness to walk alongside our neighbors. This is what it looks like to be the body of Christ in the world today.
Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and participation in the life of this congregation. Together, we continue to be a community that not only proclaims God’s love—but lives it, boldly and faithfully.
Grace and peace,
Tom

This Easter, we pray for a renewed spirit of hope, joy, and unity within our community of faith. May the Risen Christ's victory over darkness inspire us to live as faithful witnesses, spreading love, peace, and grace in all we do. We ask for blessings of healing, strength, and deeper faith, empowering us to be a welcoming, caring family that reflects the light of the resurrection. Amen.
​
I came across this short Easter prayer recently and was struck by how well it captures the heart of the season. It reminds us that strength and renewal come through the resurrection. Christ’s victory over death is not simply something we celebrate once a year—it is the promise that God is always bringing new life out of what seems tired, uncertain, or even impossible. The resurrection equips us for the journey, strengthening us as disciples called to share Christ’s love and grace in the world.
That promise of renewal is not only something we celebrate spiritually—it is something we are beginning to see take shape in the life of our congregation as well.
One example is the progress we are making in our efforts to advance our land use plan. We have held listening sessions to hear ideas, hopes, and questions from members of the congregation about how we might use our property more fully in support of our ministry. The hope is to discern which parts of the plan we might pursue in addition to the much-needed roof and parking lot work. Ideas include functional gathering spaces such as outdoor deck, patio, or a pavilion, as well as more contemplative spaces like a memory garden or walking path.
We have just completed the final scheduled listening session and will follow up with those who were not able to attend. Our next step will be a congregational town hall in early May where we will share a summary of what we heard and present possible options based on those conversations. The goal would then be for the congregation to vote in late May on a final plan and budget for the projects we choose to pursue.
Another exciting sign of renewal is the formation of an Adventures in Renewal Team. As I have written before, Adventures in Renewal is a Spirit-led process that encourages churches to listen deeply, experiment with ministry, and build meaningful relationships within the community.
Over the past few years, we have begun to “dabble” in these kinds of experiments with things like Suds and Stories of Faith, Coffee and Conversation, and our Community Pet Blessing. Last year we also launched Rooted in Love Yoga, which flips the script a bit since it takes place in our building—while many Adventures in Renewal experiments happen out in the community.
Now we are taking the next step by forming a small team that will help guide and encourage these efforts. The purpose of this team will be to help our congregation listen to the stories of our neighbors, discern where God may already be at work in our community, and invite the rest of us to participate in those relationships. Our hope is that by listening and connecting in these ways we will discover new opportunities to live out our calling as the body of Christ.
We have already had a couple of people step forward to be part of this team, and we would welcome others who feel called to join this work. If you are interested, please speak with Pastor or me.
As we approach Holy Week and Easter, it seems fitting that these conversations about renewal are happening in our congregation. The resurrection reminds us that God is always creating new possibilities—bringing life, hope, and purpose where we might not expect it.
My prayer this Easter is that we will continue to listen for where the Spirit is leading us—both within our congregation and beyond our walls—so that together we may share the freely given love and redeeming grace of our Lord and Savior.
Easter blessings, Tom
Looking Ahead
Midweek Lenten Gatherings
Simple Soup Suppers and Midweek Lenten Services continue on Wednesday evenings through March 25. Soup is served at 6:00 pm, followed by worship at 7:00 pm. Come for a simple meal, fellowship, and reflection as we journey through Lent together.
Bible Study Opportunities
You are invited to join us for weekly Bible study:
• Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm on Zoom
• Thursday mornings at 10:00 am in person.
Learning Together – Intergenerational Education
Our next Learning Together session will take place Sunday, March 22, following worship. These gatherings bring all ages together for conversation, learning, and faith formation.
Entering Holy Week
The most sacred part of the church year will be here before you know it.
Palm Sunday – March 29
We will gather to remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and begin the story of his passion and crucifixion.
The Triduum: One Story Over Three Days
Maundy Thursday – April 2 at 6:00 pm
This year we will experience something new: Dinner Church. Instead of gathering in the sanctuary, we will meet in the fellowship hall to remember the Last Supper and Jesus’ gift of the Eucharist while sharing a meal together.
Good Friday – April 3 at 7:00 pm
A solemn service as we return to Calvary and remember Christ’s crucifixion.
Easter Sunday – April 5
• Easter Breakfast – 8:00am (before worship) (sign-up available on the kiosk)
• Festival Worship – 10:00 am
Join us as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of new life.

A Christmas WishMy mother poured a tremendous amount of effort into Christmas preparations. Every inch of the house would be decorated, a full day set aside with her family and one of her good friends for baking at least a dozen kinds of Christmas cookies, and Christmas shopping for “just the right gift” would begin in earnest in June or July. More than once, she would hand me a bag in February or March and say, “I forgot to give this to you at Christmas. I found it in the closet—I bought it last summer.”
I don’t think she was trying to guarantee that we had the best Christmas ever, but her love of the season shone through. She was determined to make each Christmas the best it could be that year. Some years, when my dad wasn’t working, she wrapped many little gifts so there would be plenty to open. Other years, when resources allowed, the centerpiece of Christmas dinner was a standing rib roast. No matter the circumstances, it was certain that my mom gave everything she had to make our Christmas memories joyous ones.
Those memories came flooding back this past Sunday as some of our Resurrection family gathered after worship to decorate the church’s tree. Our Christmas tree, as you know, is adorned with angel ornaments in memory of loved ones who have passed. I was on the ladder when someone handed me a familiar glass angel. I glanced at the ribbon, and there was my mom’s name. A little while later, someone said, “Do you want to hang your dad’s ornament?”
In that moment, I looked around and was struck by the intimacy of this small Resurrection tradition—decorating the tree together after worship, just before the Christmas Program. Family gathered together, remembering the past, acknowledging the hard things, and preparing with love for the future—a future that will hold many more Christmas traditions, both in our congregation and in our homes.
For some, these traditions will be filled with joy and hope. For others, they may be touched by grief or emptiness. Christmas comes with a complex mix of emotions. My prayer for you this year is not that you experience a “perfect Christmas,” but that your Christmas is as good as it can be--and shaped by the possibility of renewal. Renewal that arrives when light breaks through the darkness and reminds us of God’s promise in the form of a tiny baby.
Be present, no matter what you are doing (mine came while standing on a ladder). Embrace gratitude for what is—even if you have to look hard for it—and make space for hope in what might yet be.
​
A Sincere Thank YouWe have just completed a very successful stewardship campaign, receiving more pledges this year than we have in recent memory. This will make the budgeting process easier as your council begins its work next week. Your dedication to the mission and ministry of this church has not gone unnoticed, and I am deeply grateful for the spirit of love and sacrifice you continue to show.
On top of that, I am thrilled that last month’s Harvest Fair raised over $13,000 for our mission partners—for the second year in a row! This is a powerful testament to the heart of this congregation: a heart that gives freely, supports others, and lives out God’s call to love and serve. Your generosity is making a tangible difference not only within our church family but also in the lives of those we serve beyond our walls. Thank you for being such a loving, faithful, and giving community.

Looking AheadCalendar in Brief:

• Holden Evening Prayer – Midweek Advent Service
   Wednesday, December 10 at 7:00 pm.
  
• Longest Night Service
   Wednesday, December 17 at 7:00 pm. A special service for those coping with grief and loss during the holiday season. Stay afterward for warm cider, cookies, and fellowship.
  
• Third Annual Intergenerational “No Rehearsal” Christmas Program
   Sunday, December 14 at 10:00 am. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate.
  
• Christmas Eve Service
   Wednesday, December 24 at 5:30 pm.

In gratitude, faith, and anticipation I extend to you Christmas Blessings,
 
Tom

As I watched much of the fall beauty blow off the trees in yesterday’s wind, I felt that familiar mix of sadness and anticipation — a reminder that change brings both endings and new beginnings. Fall has brought a flurry of meaningful activity for our Resurrection family. Our Outreach for Hope Ride, Walk, & Run team raised more funds than ever for inner-city ministries. We joyfully welcomed 14 new members last month, joined in powerful Reformation and All Saints worship, and began our Stewardship Campaign with heartfelt reflections from members about why this ministry matters to them. These moments remind me how deeply our shared life in Christ touches others.
​
Looking ahead, our Harvest Fair on November 16 is a highlight of the fall season for us. It’s a day when we express gratitude and generosity — through our Harvest Offering, which supports mission partners, and by sharing our commitment cards for sustaining and growing the ministry here at Resurrection.
Be sure to stay after worship for the Bakery Auction — a fun and delicious way to support our ministry partners!
 
 On November 16 we will also offer our RLC “Pledge” Cards. This is our commitment that ensures that we as a congregation can continue to “extend God’s abundant love for such a time as this” through our ministry. Your Council has been working hard on Ministry Goals for 2026. We are excited about the ways we will continue to extend that abundant love to others by “making new connections” and “strengthening the ties that bind.” Details about these goals are available in your stewardship literature.
 
Also in that packet, there is a request for each member to complete a spiritual gifts inventory. This takes the place of what used to be called the Time and Talent Sheet. This is a brief (10-12 minutes) online inventory designed to help you identify things about yourself that help you feel closer to God and to use your passions and interests to extend that grace and love to others. There are individuals in our community who desperately need the affirming and loving message that we live out in our Resurrection family. By strengthening ourselves and our ministry we will be better able to extend that vital message of love and grace to all.
 
Sunday November 23rd will be our Thanksgiving service followed by a Pie Social after service — always a wonderful time of fellowship. And before we know it, Advent will be upon us — my favorite season of the church year.
 
This year’s Advent theme, “What Do You Fear?” invites us into a time of reflection, hope, and preparation. The liturgy, art, and education offerings will all echo that theme. Our Wednesday Holden Evening Prayer services (December 3rd & 10th at 7 p.m.) provide a beautiful midweek pause — a way to push back against the noise and materialism of the season.
 
For me, Advent is a call to patience and hope, even in difficult times. My prayer is that this season offers the same renewal and peace for our entire Resurrection family.
 
As we move through the changing seasons, may we continue to look ahead with gratitude, hope, and courage.
In His service,
Tom Scherbert

Dear Beloved Resurrection Family,
I recently returned from our mission trip to Tanzania—a journey that was as inspiring as it was challenging! To hear about the inspiring parts of the trip, I encourage everyone to join us for worship (either in person or online) on Sunday September 28th. It is perhaps the challenging part that I would like to address in this month’s letter. As many of you know, our congregation has been in partnership with the Meru Dioceses in Tanzania for many years. We’ve worked together on vital projects like providing access to clean drinking water and supporting education in communities where such resources are scarce. The generosity and spirit of the people I met was humbling, and I am deeply grateful for the ways our church continues to be part of this life-giving work.

At the same time, I want to speak candidly about something that’s been on the hearts of some in our community—especially some of our LGBTQ+ members. As a progressive and inclusive congregation, we affirm without hesitation that God’s love, grace, and belonging are for all people. We are proud to be a congregation where LGBTQ+ individuals are not only welcomed but celebrated.

So how do we reconcile that deep conviction with a partnership in a country—and within a church—where LGBTQ+ people often face discrimination, persecution, and, tragically, even violence?

It’s not an easy question. And I don’t think there’s a perfect answer. What I do believe is this: Our call to love and serve doesn’t require full agreement with those we partner with. In fact, sometimes love requires us to stay in relationship precisely when it’s hard—because that’s where transformation can begin.

Still, we must be honest. We cannot ignore or remain silent about the reality that LGBTQ+ people in Tanzania live under deeply unjust systems. Naming that truth is a way of standing in solidarity with them—even as we continue to expand water pipelines, provide tuition assistance, and share in the Gospel.

We’re not turning a blind eye. We’re keeping our eyes—and our hearts—wide open. Our mission in Tanzania is not to condone harmful beliefs, but to embody Christ’s love in ways that uplift, empower, and hopefully open doors for deeper conversations about inclusion and justice.  On September 13th, I had the great pleasure of participating (via Zoom) in our Common Day of Prayer with Tanzania. During the service we, members of the Greater Milwaukee Synod and the Dioceses of Meru prayed together for peace and reconciliation. During that prayer we asked God to provide the words for us to speak to one another that heal past transgressions, which promote future peaceful relationships, and that demonstrate trust in the moment. Let that be our prayer on this and all other issues going forward.

In the coming months, I hope we can continue to explore how to hold this tension faithfully. We’re a church that believes in dialogue. And I believe that the Spirit moves most powerfully when we bring our full selves—our convictions, our questions, and our compassion—to the table.

​With love and gratitude,
Tom

                                                                            Walking With Our Neighbors
On Thursday evening, July 24th, I had the opportunity to attend one of the Greater Milwaukee Synod’s Adventures in Renewal “Co-Labs.” We’ve been talking about Adventures in Renewal for nearly a year, but for many, the name still feels a little mysterious. Remember that Adventures in Renewal is a Spirit led process of renewing a congregation through listening, ministry experimentation, and deep connections with our neighbors. Co-Lab — short for Collaborative Laboratory — is simply a hands-on space to try small, creative experiments in ministry, such as listening activities or community walks.

That may sound like a lot of terminology, but the evening itself was anything but complicated. It was authentic, simple, and surprisingly energizing.

This Co-Lab took place at the South Milwaukee Farmer’s Market. Because the market also featured a live band, our opening and closing conversations happened in a quieter spot — a beautiful local flower shop. We began by grounding ourselves in Scripture, dwelling in the word on Luke 24:13–35 — the story of Jesus meeting disciples on the road to Emmaus. Then we paired up with someone we didn’t know and were given a very simple assignment:

• Use a small amount of cash to buy produce for donation to All People’s Table
  
• Return with two names and one story from people we met along the way

While walking to the market, my partner and I talked about what we had noticed in the Scripture passage and how it spoke to us. Once there, we began our “mission” — meeting new people.

Now, I’ll admit, striking up conversations with strangers doesn’t come naturally to me. I had to step out of my comfort zone. My partner even called me “gregarious,” and I had to laugh — because inside, I was working hard to be outgoing!

I met Kay, a produce vendor who told me about their farm in West Bend, and Mike, the “honey guy,” who shared about the farmers market at the VA Hospital. More importantly, he told me about a disabled veteran who helps him sell honey there. As a veteran himself, Mike’s passion for helping a fellow vet was inspiring.

When we returned to the flower shop, everyone introduced the people they’d met and shared their stories. We reflected on what we noticed, learned, or found surprising. Finally, we imagined ourselves as a church in that neighborhood and discussed what God might be calling us to do.

Yes, a few of us had to step out of our comfort zones. But the tasks were simple, the conversations were meaningful, and the evening left me feeling hopeful. It reminded me that this is exactly the kind of thing we can do as a congregation — walking with our neighbors, listening to their stories, and being present in our community.

​I hope more of us will give these experiments a try. No special skills are needed — just curiosity, open ears, and a willing heart. Sometimes the smallest steps can open the biggest doors.
Blessings,
Tom
 
On the calendar:

• Rooted in Love Community Yoga resumes Tuesday September 9th at 5:15 pm
• Community Pet Blessing, September 14th during and after worship.

Dear Resurrection Family,
Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, and like many of you, I’m looking forward to the joys of summer. There is a lot going on in our congregation in the coming months—some familiar events returning and some new opportunities for connection and growth.

One exciting development is the continued momentum of our Mission Renewal efforts. Since I last wrote, we’ve had excellent participation in the video and discussion session held after worship on May 4th. A good number of folks stayed to engage, and I believe many came away with a clearer understanding of how this renewal process works. At its heart, is the cycle: listen → try → reflect → share—and at its roots a set of beliefs including: God is active in the world, The Church’s renewal comes as it joins people in the world, God always begins with us where we are, We have much to learn, Nothing is a “failure.” God can and will teach us if we stay curious.

We’re now beginning to assemble a team to help guide this work on behalf of the congregation. If you feel called to be part of that journey, please reach out to Pastor or to me directly.
Our Tuesday evening Community Yoga class continues to be a great way for members and neighbors to recharge midweek. Looking ahead, we’re considering a cookout after one of these yoga sessions in June—stay tuned for details!
We’ve also set the date for our Community Picnic: Sunday, July 20th, right after worship. The church will provide meat and buns, and we’ll ask members to bring sides and desserts to share. Keep an eye on your email and the Sunday announcements for more information as we get closer.

Planning is also just getting underway for this year’s Community Pet Blessing, which will take place on Sunday, September 14th. Holding it earlier in the season gives us a better chance to enjoy the event outdoors with our furry (and not-so-furry) friends.

​And speaking of the outdoors, we’ve set the dates for our Outdoor Worship Services:

• June 22nd
• July 20th (same day as the picnic!)
• August 10th

This summer is shaping up to be another meaningful and active season for our Resurrection family. Thank you for all the ways you show up, serve, and grow together.
Blessings,
Tom