Council President Tom Scherbert
Keeping in Touch with the Living Body at RLC
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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:
Tom
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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:
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:
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:
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 Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
Dear Resurrection Family, As we move deeper into this glorious Easter season, we are reminded of the promise of rebirth and new life that Christ’s resurrection brings. Just as the earth is renewing itself in spring—buds unfurling, grass greening, and warmer breezes blowing—we, too, experience a spiritual awakening that fills our hearts with hope and joy. Celebrating Holy Week and Easter SundayI want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made Holy Week and Easter Sunday so meaningful:
Last month, I reminded you of our church's participation in the Adventures in Renewal process - a Spirit-led journey of listening, ministry experimentation, reflection and sharing. I'm excited to tell you that our current ministry experiment is the Rooted In Love Community Yoga Class, beginning May 6th at 5:15pm. This class is a wonderful way to nurture both body and spirit, and to invite friends, neighbors and newcomers to the warmth of our Resurrection family. On Sunday, May 4th, following the service, we will show the second video in the Greater Milwaukee Synod’s Adventures in Renewal series. This session will:
Thank you all for your ongoing faith, service, and love. As spring bursts forth around us, may we live into the resurrection promise with fresh eyes and open hearts, sharing Christ’s life with our community and world. In Christ’s Service and Easter Joy, Tom  Last year as both a congregation and council we began the first steps in what would be a part of what our synod calls Adventures in Renewal. Among the steps we took as a congregation was to view one of the synods video resources. That video introduced the concept that the social landscape of our world is changing and discussed how churches can respond to these changes. Adventures in Renewal is a spirit lead process that empowers churches to be renewed through listening, ministry experimentation, and deep connections in the community. As hopefully people will recall, in 2024 we made our first ventures into ministry experimentation with Suds and Stories of Faith, Coffee and Conversation, and our Community Pet Blessing.  This year we have a few ideas that we are developing including Rooted in Love Yoga, a community yoga class that will be offered in our building. This will be a “gentle yoga” class suitable for beginners, that will include a brief spiritual message by Pastor Matt at the end. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in participating in this contact Pastor Matt. It is also our hope to assemble a small team of people to help engage the rest of the congregation in the work of following the Spirit’s lead into future listening activities, ministry experiments, and building relationships in the community. I am reminded of one of Pastor Matt’s favorite quotes “We don’t think our way into new behavior, we behave our way into new thinking”. It is through going out into the community and listening to the stories of others that we will find ways to engage with them as the body of Christ. With the ultimate goal of sharting the freely-given, love and redeeming grace of our Lord and Savior. More information about Adventures in Renewal is available at by clicking here: Adventures in Renewal Resources If you are interested in being a part of this team please speak to Pastor, myself, or Sally Weiland, our Building Relationships Council Chair.
Looking ahead: ● Simple Soup Suppers and midweek Lenten Services have begun and will continue on Wednesday evenings through April 9th with soup at 6 and service at 7pm. ● Just a reminder that there is now a Thursday 10 am and a Sunday 8:45 am Bible Study! ● Learning Together intergenerational in person education session March 23rd after worship. ● The most sacred part of the church year will be here before you know it:. April 13th is Palm Sunday and we will gather to recount the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His passion and crucifixion. ● The story flows into our Holy Week services, which are really one service over three days (the Triduum). On Maundy Thursday (4/17 @ 7pm), we will remember the last supper and Jesus’ establishment of the Eucharist. ● Good Friday (4/18 @ 7pm) will bring us back again to Calvary in a solemn service commemorating Christ’s crucifixion. ● But then, Easter Morning (4/20 @ 10am) brings a festival worship service celebrating Jesus’ resurrection from the dead! We will also enjoy Easter Breakfast together (watch for sign up for attendance and to help out in the announcements and your emails). Blessings, Tom As you drive through Wisconsin farm country this time of year the seas of green from soybeans
and swaying corn stalks have given way to planes of barren earth. The farmers that have planted and tended the seeds have brought in the harvest. What remains is the brown earth and the promise that the cycle will begin again in spring. That may be all we see out the window of the car as we pass by, but lessons from our upbringing remind us that this time of year we should also be grateful for that harvest. Memories of Thanksgiving past and sharing “what we are thankful for” around the table also reminds us of the many other objects of our gratitude. There are many things that we are thankful for. I often see gratitude as a two-fold gift. Our heart is warmed by the memory but also gratitude opens our hearts to the many other things God has so generously provided. I would like to share some of the things that I am grateful for this year. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer. – 1 Timothy 4:4-5 I am thankful for who we are. We are God’s people, both broken and blessed. We recognize that we are a gift and that even our flaws are part of a beautiful story. In response to the questions “Who we are?” and “Why are we here?” on our Ministry Site Profile the MET said we have a feeling of family that is shared with members and visitors alike. Individuals are accepted where they are, broken and blessed and that we extend our love to our community. I am grateful for us. O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34 I am thankful for what we have. Out of love, God richly provides. I could not share the things for which I am grateful without acknowledging the positive aspects of our lives together and recognizing the blessings we possess. You are an extremely generous people. When there is a need or a job to do, you always amaze me. From financial appeals to the little things you do for your Resurrection family that nobody knows about, you are a gift from God. I am grateful for the good things we have together no matter how big or small often because of your generosity. I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. – Psalm 9:1 I am thankful for all God has done for us, his beloved children. Just pause for a moment and think about what God has done around Resurrection Lutheran Church this past year: Experiments with being more present in our community, the work to improve our grounds, development of a campus plan, the work of the Mission Exploration Team, the work of the Call Team, and the calling of a new pastor just to name a few. God has done marvelous things for which I am truly grateful. May your gratitude be a two fold gift this Thanksgiving that transforms your perspective and fills your heart. Thanksgiving Blessings, Tom (Please note that ways to get involved or help out are in italics.) Calendar in Brief: ● Thanksgiving Service Sunday November 24th 10:00 am. Come ye thankful people come. ● Baked Goods Auction to benefit our partners Sunday November 24th 11:00 am. Come for the fun – bid high! ● Midweek Advent Service Wednesday December 4th and 11th at 7:00 pm. Come enjoy a break from the hectic holiday rush. Refresh yourself with the Holden Evening Prayer. ● Thank you Lunch for Pastor Steve Sunday December 8th 11:00 am. Come show your appreciation for Pastor Steve before we bid him farewell. ● Longest Night Service Thursday December 19th 6:30 pm. Experience this special Christmas service for those coping with grief and loss during the holiday season. Fellowship with friends during the warm cider and cookie gathering after the service. ● Intergenerational, No Rehearsal, Christmas Program 2.0 Sunday December 22nd 10:00 am. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate. ● Christmas Eve Service Tuesday December 24th 5:30 pm. ● Pastor Steve’s Last Sunday with us December 29th. |
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