Christ In All Things: Recent Episodes
Pastors Lance O'Donnell and Jason Schockman
Most of us have a fascinating story if anyone bothered to listen. At Christ In All Things we bother to listen. We have fun doing it. We take God seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We have to *bleep some things now and then, and we roll our eyes at each other now and then, but when you listen to Christ In All Things, you’ll find common people who rejoice in the uncommon moments animated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our guest, Rev. Allen Strawn, has a unique perspective as the pastor serving Calvary Lutheran Chapel on the campus of the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He regularly interacts with students from a wide range of liturgical backgrounds and shares with us what he has observed, and how a historic, consistent, Scripture based (particularly sung) liturgy is meaningful in their faith formation and expression.
Our guest, Rev. Allen Strawn, has a unique perspective as the pastor serving Calvary Lutheran Chapel on the campus of the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He regularly interacts with students from a wide range of liturgical backgrounds and shares with us what he has observed, and how a historic, consistent, Scripture based (particularly sung) liturgy is meaningful in their faith formation and expression.
We sat down with the team of young adults that just returned from the Dominican Republic. They went to visit our missionary partners for a mission education experience. This conversation really just touches the surface of what they experienced, Listen for how what they learned and experienced as they saw the gospel proclaimed shaped them, and will continue to stay with them even as they've returned home.
We sat down with the team of young adults that just returned from the Dominican Republic. They went to visit our missionary partners for a mission education experience. This conversation really just touches the surface of what they experienced, Listen for how what they learned and experienced as they saw the gospel proclaimed shaped them, and will continue to stay with them even as they've returned home.
This is “Part 2” of our interview with Don and Karen Meyer.
June is “Biblical Marriage Month” at St. Paul’s. It is a celebration of God’s design for marriage, even as it is lived out in the brokenness of this world. Christ is “in all things.” (Col 1.17) He is in marriages that are thriving, and in marriages that are struggling. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27, ESV) Christ’s call is to follow, and since—per Ephesians 5—the marriage of Christ and His Church is the true marriage, we all have a vested interest in helping God’s design for marriage be known and practiced. Being a Christian family is about forgiving as we have been forgiven by Christ, and about growing in faith, hope, and love.
June is “Biblical Marriage Month” at St. Paul’s. It is a celebration of God’s design for marriage, even as it is lived out in the brokenness of this world. Christ is “in all things.” (Col 1.17) He is in marriages that are thriving, and in marriages that are struggling. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27, ESV) Christ’s call is to follow, and since—per Ephesians 5—the marriage of Christ and His Church is the true marriage, we all have a vested interest in helping God’s design for marriage be known and practiced. Being a Christian family is about forgiving as we have been forgiven by Christ, and about growing in faith, hope, and love.
In this episode of Christ In All Things we interview Don and Karen Meyer. Don and Karen are outgoing members of St. Paul’s “Marriage Ministry Team.” We learned a lot from Don and Karen about how God is at work in their lives, and they learned some things about one another.
Celebrating Biblical Marriage Month, several members of the St. Paul's Marriage Ministry team gathered to remember one of the founding couples of the St. Paul's Marriage Ministry Team. This is part 2 of that conversation. Marcus and Carolyn Pankow served the church for most of their lives. Marcus as a teacher and Principal, Carolyn from the organ bench on Sunday mornings.
They both left a deep and lasting impact in our life together at St. Paul's. It seemed good to us take some time to remember and rejoice in the example the Lord of Love gave us in Marcus and Carolyn Pankow.
Celebrating Biblical Marriage Month, several members of the St. Paul's Marriage Ministry team gathered to remember one of the founding couples of the St. Paul's Marriage Ministry Team. Marcus and Carolyn Pankow served the church for most of their lives. Marcus as a teacher and Principal, Carolyn from the organ bench on Sunday mornings.
They both left a deep and lasting impact in our life together at St. Paul's. It seemed good to us take some time to remember and rejoice in the example the Lord of Love gave us in Marcus and Carolyn Pankow.
Meet Margie Hertneky, who this year completes 42 years of teaching in Lutheran Schools, the last 32 here at St. Paul's Lutheran School, Oconomowoc WI. As Margie prepares to retire at the end of the school year, we couldn't think of a better interview to share with you listeners. This "warrior pearl" has shares what she's learned from her students and how Christ in all things has been shaping her.
Meet Margie Hertneky, who this year completes 42 years of teaching in Lutheran Schools, the last 32 here at St. Paul's Lutheran School, Oconomowoc WI. As Margie prepares to retire at the end of the school year, we couldn't think of a better interview to share with you listeners. This "warrior pearl" has shares what she's learned from her students and how Christ in all things has been shaping her.
At St. Paul’s the first Lord’s Day in May is “Confirmation.” In this episode we talk about what confirmation is for Lutherans. We address the questions asked—and promises made—in confirmation. As listeners will hear, there is a deep connection between the third article of The Nicene Creed and Baptism. In the Nicene Creed we confess, “. . . And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. . .” In the Rite of Confirmation, the pastor asks, “Do you this day in the presence of God and of this congregation acknowledge the gifts that God gave you in your Baptism?” What do those things mean? What do they have to do with one another? What are those being confirmed actually confessing and promising when they are confirmed?
Recorded 29 April, 2026
Buckle up. This might be the most important episode we've recorded in three seasons of Christ In All Things. “’Liturgy and Evangelism,’ a Conversation” is deeply theological and personal for both pastors here. It’s about being lost and being found by Christ. The conversation flows from “Liturgy and Evangelism” by Dr. Kurt Marquardt (Please listen to the previous episode for the full reading of that essay.). We make application to the life of the Church in general and at St. Paul’s. We pray that reflecting on this essay will be as challenging—and as enlightening—for you as it was for the pastors involved here. We think you’ll hear that in spades.
For the text of Dr. Marquardt’s essay, see “Liturgy and Evangelism” in Lutheran Worship: History and Practice (St. Louis, CPH, 1993) 58-76.
Recorded 6 February, 2026
Welcome to “Liturgy and Evangelism by Dr. Kurt Marquardt.” In this episode you’ll hear a personal introduction to the late +Rev. Dr. Kurt Marquard+ by Pastor Lance O’Donnell, which became—much to his surprise—a deeply emotional live-mic moment. We decided to leave it because it helps provide a sense of the man who wrote the essay that so faithfully and clearly explains why a consistent, Scripture-based order of service or “liturgy”—especially sung liturgy—is best not only for Christian faith formation, but for evangelism. This episode has the introduction and the essay. The next episode, “’Liturgy and Evangelism,’ a Conversation,” provides deeper personal and churchly reflection. We encourage you to listen to both.
For the text of Dr. Marquardt’s essay, see “Liturgy and Evangelism” in Lutheran Worship: History and Practice (St. Louis, CPH, 1993) 58-76. Used by permission. Copyright 1993. Concordia Publishing House. CPH.org. All rights reserved.
Recorded 6 February, 2026
What a joy it was to talk with Ross Shaver! In Part 2 of this interview, which was recorded shortly before the Shavers deployed for their missionary work in the Dominican Republic. This episode is really an extended discussion of pastoral and missionary formation. It is an insight into the unique ways Christ forms men for the work to which He calls them. We also have a fascinating discussion about Christian education and what Dr. Shaver has learned, both from his youth and the education of his family, about how best to educate humans. There’s a fruitful discussion of the classical model and how model can—and should—be considered by modern Christians.
Recorded 5 April, A.D. 2024
Rev. Dr. Ross Patrick Shaver is a missionary and theological educator with the Dominican Republic Lutheran Mission. We, at Christ In All Things, have had this in the hopper for some time and are pleased to finally publish it. This episode was recorded just before he and his family deployed to the mission field. As you’ll hear, Dr. Shaver was deeply impacted by a faithful Christian upbringing, by his marriage and parish life, and by his special path to fatherhood. By virtue of his family upbringing, you’ll hear a fascinating correspondence between things that Al and Kathy Mueller talked about in our conversation about what they learned by moving. As a congregation that has a deep history of support for the Lutheran mission in the Dominican Republic, it is our delight to have more personal connections with that mission.
Recorded 5 April, A.D. 2024
Welcome to Part 2 of our interview with Alfred Paul “Al” Mueller. This episode continues the previous discussion about servant leadership; in particular, about Al’s parents and family. You’ll hear a classic “Al and Kathy” courtship story. You’ll hear some beautiful reflections about the Mueller’s family joy in service. You’ll hear some faithful advice about how to become part of a congregational family when you move, and you’ll hear a really beautiful golf story that isn’t so much about golf, but about service; that is, about Christ In All Things.
Recorded 6 March, A.D. 2026
Back in the day at St. Paul’s, Alfred Paul “Al” Mueller was known for giving “a little elbow” to someone who ran the baseline too vigorously in the men’s pick-up basketball games. You’ll find a different Al in this interview: gentle, deeply thoughtful, thankful, at rest of soul in Christ. A couple weeks back listeners heard from Al’s effervescent wife, Kathy. Here you’ll find a man deeply thankful for the lessons in servant-leadership he learned from his boyhood that impacted everything about his life.
Recorded 6 March, A.D. 2026
Part 2 of our interview with Kathy Jane Mueller centers in the importance of worship in the Christian life. Kathy—in her own charitable and humorous way—helps us understand how following Christ into active participation in the congregation is important. As Kathy notes, when you make yourself available, the Lord will send someone in your path to welcome you and make you feel at home and include you, and it will strengthen your faith. Kathy points out that each of us “have gifts to give. And if you don’t come, you can’t give the gift.” As the conversation continues, you’ll hear a beautiful reflection on what it means to be part of a christian congregation, which is the family of God.
Recorded 26 February, A.D. 2026
Listeners might remember Kathy Jane Mueller from episodes 94-95, when she sat alongside her mother, Ruth Polcha, for her Christ In All Things interview. We’re very excited to have Kathy back to talk about her own journey in Christ. As you will hear, Kathy blends a great reverence for Christ, a love of His Church, true honor for her family, and a terrific sense of humor.
Recorded 26 February, A.D. 2026
Welcome to Part 2 of “The Salutation is Not a Holy Howdy.” As our guest, Rev. Dr. Timothy Quill notes, when—as a pastoral greeting—The Salutation is given, “the knot of love between pastor and people is strengthened.” We speak about how and when the pastor is to speak The Salutation, and we move from there into a broader conversation about different aspects of the liturgy, the pastor’s conduct of the liturgy, and the evangelical and missiological power of liturgical hospitality.
Recorded 29 January, A.D. 2026
When the Pastor says, “The Lord be with you,” and the congregation responds with, “And with thy spirit” it is NOT the way the church says, “Hello,” even though it is often treated as such. That back and forth is called, "The Salutation.” As our special guest, liturgical scholar, Rev. Dr. Timothy Quill tells us, The Salutation is both a greeting and a blessing. It’s use in the Church goes all the way back to the earliest liturgies. The Salutation is the announcement of The LORD’s presence and also a way, you will see, of confessing respect for the way The LORD has organized the Church on earth. Enjoy Part 1 of our interview on The Salutation with Rev. Dr. Timothy Quill.
Recorded 29 January, A.D. 2026
This is Part 2 of our interview with Rev. Timothy Winterstein regarding the Nicene Creed in the life of the Church. We discuss how God is working things together in Christ and see how God used some of the human development to lead the Church toward a unified, orthodox confession of Christ.
Recorded 20 January, A.D. 2026
2025 was the 1700th anniversary of the orthodox church’s confession of faith that we call the “Nicene Creed.” During the fall and early winter of 2025 Pastor Jason Schockman taught a class—and preached an Advent sermon series—at St. Paul’s—Oconomowoc based on the book Worshiped and Glorified: A Study of the Nicene Creed, by Rev. Tim Winterstein. In episodes 101 and 102 of CHRIST IN ALL THINGS we interview the author and discuss some of the key differences between what we confess in The Apostles’ Creed and what we confess in The Nicene Creed. Between the three of us, we also discuss things that formed our appreciation for what we say in the Nicene Creed and why we say it.
Recorded 20 January, A.D. 2026
Pastor’s families have some unique challenges, and sometimes challenging crosses to bear. They also have unique privileges and unique situations for joy and laughter. We hope you enjoy “Holy Humor: Pastor’s Kids, Part 2.” Kind of perfect that this is the 100th episode of Christ In All Things!
Recorded 23 December, A.D. 2025
Laughter is a great gift of God, and laughing at ourselves is a healthy part of a faithful, Christian life. Because St. Paul’s has a number of pastor’s kids in the congregation we thought it would be fun to give a few of them an opportunity to laugh and tell stories (That can be told in public 😊) about their pastor-dads and a pastor’s family life. So, we’ve called this series, “Holy Humor.” This is “Holy Humor: Pastor’s Kids, Part 1.”
Recorded 23 December, A.D. 2025
Welcome to Part 2 of our interview with Mimi Gebel, who was born in 1928. What a vibrant and generous and resolute Christian soul she is! Her interview is a fascinating window into German and German-American culture, including the almost “arranged” relationship with a boy named Wally, who became her beloved husband and with whom she operated a successful business that put her God-given skills to work in myriad ways. As you’ll hear, this interview was a joy to conduct, and we pray you are encouraged in Christ as you listen.
Recorded 6 November, A.D. 2025
“Mimi” Gebel was born in the Year of Our Lord, 1928. Just the exploration of her five names was an adventure, and—as it often is—revealing. We laughed at the story of why she is “Mimi” and we loved the discovery of how her names reveal both a personal history and a gradually revelation of her character. Mimi’s family story is a fascinating immigration story, and a story of how “God works all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Recorded 6 November, A.D. 2025
“This boy kept coming over to my house, and my father told him not to come over any more. But then he went off to war…” So begins Part 2 of our interview with centenarian, Ruth Polcha, and so begins the beautiful love story between a faithful Slovak Lutheran named Edward Polcha and—you guessed it—a German Lutheran girl named Ruth Zehnder. Together they made a faithful Lutheran family that has bequeathed further generations of faithful and generous servants of Christ.
Recorded 7 August, A.D. 2025
This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation with centenarian Ruth Polcha. This interview is a window into a humble and faithful Christian family. Ruth is a relatively new member of St. Paul’s, but through her daughter’s family, she has a long connection to us. Her daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Al Mueller, are some of St. Paul’s more faithful and active members. After many years separated across several states, Kathy rejoiced to have her mother nearby, and when you hear the delightful Christian countenance and faithfulness of Ruth Florence Esther (Zehnder) Polcha you’ll know why she is an inspiration and faithful example.
Recorded 7 August, A.D. 2025
We have a deep conviction that a consistent, Scripture-based order of service, or “liturgy”—especially sung liturgy—is better for the faith-formation of all ages. You see, the Divine Service—the Word and Sacrament worship of the Church—is a wedding feast. It is the “marriage supper of the Lamb,” (Rev 19.9) where Jesus Christ Himself is our host and the substance of the feast. So, it’s really helpful—and pretty important—that those who are learning the rituals of the feast are willing learners, humble . . . and welcomed and taught the rich practices of the Church’s wedding feast by people with generous and hospitable hearts.
We have a deep conviction that a consistent, Scripture-based order of service, or “liturgy”—especially sung liturgy—is better for the faith-formation of all ages. You see, the Divine Service—the Word and Sacrament worship of the Church—is a wedding feast. It is the “marriage supper of the Lamb,” (Rev 19.9) where Jesus Christ Himself is our host and the substance of the feast. So, it’s really helpful—and pretty important—that those who are learning the rituals of the feast are willing learners, humble . . . and welcomed and taught the rich practices of the Church’s wedding feast by people with generous and hospitable hearts.
In this episode, St. Paul’s congregational leaders Matt Dinnauer (elders) and Alec Heffern (finance) discuss “What Does ‘Stewardship’ Mean?,” the third and final part of our “Reflecting Christ” series with the Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador. As in the responses to Parts 1 and 2, you’ll hear genuine “Aha” moments, thankfulness, and a clear sense of the deep call of all Christians to participate in receiving and giving the love and hope of Christ.
Recorded 13 November, A.D. 2025
“What stewardship is not is ‘what you do’. What it is is who you are.” As Dr. Nathan Meador reminds us in Part 3 of our “Reflecting Christ” series on Christian stewardship, we are created and redeemed by Jesus Christ as God’s stewards. It is something we observe, but it is activity that flows from our identity. It flows from receiving the mercies of Christ. In this episode we talk about both the deep reality and the practical application to our life in the church and the community, whether you're a college student or a corporate executive.
Recorded 17 July, A.D. 2025
Christians are “sons of God, being sons of the resurrection” (Luke 20:36), for the Lord our God “is not God of the dead, but of the living” (Luke 20:38). “Those who deny that there is a resurrection” (Luke 20:27) neither know the Scriptures nor the power of God, but the baptized faithful know “that the dead are raised” (Luke 20:37). For the Lord, who was and is and is to come, knows Israel’s sufferings and has “come down to deliver them” (Ex. 3:8). Moses reveals the name of Yahweh to God’s chosen people, by which He is “remembered throughout all generations” (Ex. 3:15). In contrast to that sacred remembrance of His name, St. Paul warns against the antichrist, who “takes his seat in the temple of God” (2 Thess. 2:4). That lawless man preaches and practices the activity of Satan. Christians, however, are comforted by the coming of the Lord Jesus, who slays the antichrist and refutes his false doctrine “with the breath of his mouth” (2 Thess. 2:8). By His preaching, “stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught” (2 Thess. 2:15). Hear, receive and believe God’s promise of love, comfort and good hope.
“A great multitude … from all tribes and peoples and languages” cry out, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne” (Rev. 7:9–10). Uniquely loved, Faith-filled saints from every place and time with unified voices eternally magnify the Lamb of God. As His beloved children, we, too, “shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). Joined with the throng of angels and countless saints, we shall “serve him day and night in his temple” (Rev. 7:15). In our earthly tension vacillating between saint and sinner, faith and doubt, sacred and profane, we earnestly seek Jesus to calm our fears, comfort our spirits and forgive our sins. The Holy Spirit, through faith in Christ, propels us forward, fortifying each one of us in Word and Sacrament, to our eternal home. In the midst of our constant struggle as believers, we are blessed. The poor in spirit, the meek, the hungry, the thirsty, the merciful, the pure and the persecuted are all blessed, and we will most certainly inherit the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:1–12).
Welcome to Part 2 of our interview with Tom and Bernita Krenzke, a fascinating and wonderful Christian couple. In this part of the interview we go more deeply into the key influences on their marriage, including how their cross-cultural training for missionary work also proved to be great training for marriage. This part of the interview, especially, is a lesson on humble and faithful Christian marriage.
Recorded 7 August, A.D. 2025
In honor of St. Paul’s annual marriage retreat that occurs in November, it is our pleasure to introduce you to Tom and Bernita Krenzke. They met as Lutheran elementary school teachers in Canada and we talk about the Godly vocation of Lutheran school teacher and how formative Lutheran churches and schools were for them. You’ll hear Bernita talk about growing up on one of the last homesteads in the continental United States and how that prepared her for marriage to Tom and service together at Lutheran Bible Translators in Africa. This is a story of two gifted and faithful people, willing to go where God leads, and always learning.
Recorded 7 August, A.D. 2025
Jesus Christ dwells eternally in His resurrected flesh, setting us free to live in hope and glorify God in our bodies.The true disciple of Jesus doesn’t just “dwell under the house” of His Word, as it were, it’s that the disciple “stands in complete trust” in His Word. And we—Christ’s disciples—have good reason for such a stand: The Son of God has set us free from sin and death by His death and resurrection. (See Jn 8.31-36) Yes, we are truly righteous in Christ, justified by God as a gift. (Rom 3.19-28) As recipients of this “eternal Gospel,” (Rev 14.6) with “God as our refuge and strength,” “we need not fear,” for “the LORD of hosts is with us.” (See Ps 46)
In Christ we are reconciled to God. His call to reconciliation is a call to wrestle with Him in prayer, to trust, and to follow.
Jesus taught “The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Lk 18.2-8) so that we might learn “. . . always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1, ESV) That’s a big deal because sometimes, like Jacob, we can do deceitful things. (see Gen 27) Even though we know that “all Scriptures is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” (2 Tim 3.16) even though we know that “God works all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose,” (Rom 8.28) we can tremble, like Jacob, when the Lord gives us an opportunity for reconciliation. But it’s especially in these moments of “wrestling with God” and His Word (Gen 32.22-30) that we really come to know our need for Christ and His forgiveness. It’s in those moments when we really learn to “fear, love and trust in God above all things.” (1st Commandment explanation)
“Of What Are We Stewards” is Part 2 of our “Reflecting Christ” series on Christian stewardship with Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador. In this episode, Dr. Meador talks about the consequences of what he calls “the first stewardship crisis,” leading us to THE most important thing of which God has entrusted us: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The steward, Dr. Meador says, is a “conduit of the Gospel.” “The Gospel,” he says, “is not about you, it’s for you.” God has entrusted us with the Gospel (the message of God’s reconciliation and forgiveness in Christ), for us and for the good of our neighbor.
Recorded 17 July, A.D. 2025
“Remember Jesus Christ.” This is where we look, this is where we turn, when the suffering looks too daunting. Remember Jesus Christ. This is the remembering of faith, to recall the one in whom you put your trust and your hope. Where can we go to for the strength to do this? The person of Jesus Christ lodges Himself in holy food — bread and wine for believers to eat and drink. You lodge where Jesus lodges; His Father is your God, His people are your people. Death cannot part you from Him because His death and resurrection are eternally yours through Holy Baptism. “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead” (2 Tim. 2:8). As surely as death could not hold Him, so surely “the word of God is not bound” (2 Tim. 2:9). His Gospel is entrusted “to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2), so that you “may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:10). Such is the confession of faith for all the saints, who believe, teach and confess the one Lord and Savior — Jesus Christ.
We live by Faith, and run in the righteousness of Christ’s Forgiveness
We are surrounded by“destruction and violence”(Hab. 1:3) because the Law“is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth”(Hab. 1:4). In fact, the Law cannot rescue us from ourBabylon; thepower of theenemy, the world, or our own sinful flesh.“Temptations to sin are sure to come”(Luke 17:1), but as often as we sin, the Lord rebukes us, turns us to repentance and forgives us.Therefore, not by sight, experience or feeling, nor by works,but“the righteous shall live by his faith”(Hab. 2:4).We pray that He would thus“increase our faith”(Luke 17:5). And indeed, He does! Though we are His“unworthy servants”(Luke 17:10), He prepares His Supper for us, dresses us properly and gives us His body and blood to eat and drink. He appoints pastors for us,“by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus”(2 Tim. 1:1).For the Gospel brings“life and immortality to light”(2 Tim. 1:10). This we believe. Therefore,“follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard,”(2 Tim 1:1)"so we may run" as "the righteous who live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:2,4)
The Catechetical Life is an “audio brochure” of sorts. (It is based upon a brochure that Pastor O’Donnell wrote.) It is intended both to teach and to be a means of evaluating one’s family and congregational life. With a little bit of humor, we teach about life in the Church. We teach the difference between “Law” and “Gospel.” We make an important connection between a classical method of teaching—catechesis—and the mission of Christ’s Church.
God bless your “catechetical life.”
Recorded 26 September, A.D. 2025
We live in “a time of trouble” (Dan. 12:1), in the midst of great tribulation. Satan and his wicked angels have been thrown out of heaven and have come down to earth “in great wrath,” with woeful “temptations to sin” and with constant accusations (Rev. 12:8–12; Matt. 18:7). Even so, we are encouraged by the presence and protection of St. Michael and the holy angels, whom God sends to help us in the strife (Dan. 10:11–13). By “the authority of his Christ,” His holy angels guard and keep us in body and soul. These heavenly servants of God preserve His human messengers on earth, the ministers of “the blood of the Lamb,” against all the power of the enemy, for by “the word of their testimony,” the Church is saved and the devil is defeated (Rev. 12:10–11), the old Adam and the old evil foe are “drowned in the depth of the sea” in a Baptism of repentance (Matt. 18:6). As God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, so are His people delivered and raised from the dust of the earth through the forgiveness of their sins (Dan. 12:1–3).
We asked St. Paul’s congregational leaders, John Nelson and Dale Stratil, to listen to Episode 77, “Reflecting Christ: Stewardship as Identity,” before its publication. John is currently serving as St. Paul’s 1st VP, and Dale is currently teaching a Bible class on stewardship. In this episode, we ask them to reflect on things that really stuck out to them from Dr. Meador’s teaching on stewardship. Our prayer is that this episode reinforces some of the lessons from episode 77 and encourages you to join us for further study, reflection, and application of Christ’s teaching on stewardship.
Recorded 18 September, A.D. 2025
So often when we think about “stewardship,” we think about our money, our time, our talent. We think about what we do. But stewardship is not, fundamentally, about our “activity.” It’s about Christ, what HE has done for us, and what HE is doing in and through us. Stewardship is about Christ, His Gospel, and our identity in Him.
Recorded 17 July, A.D. 2025
St. Paul's member, Rev. Dr. Richard Thompson is our guest preacher this Holy Cross Sunday.
The observance of Holy Cross Day occurs every year on September 14th. Holy Cross Day has stood as a monument and touchstone for nearly eighteen centuries encouraging believers to confess “Christ Crucified.” (1 Cor. 1:23) In our Old Testament lesson we see an excellent precursor of God’s redemption through the cross. Those who look with faith upon the bronze serpent lifted up on the pole are rescued. (Num. 21:4-9) And in the Gospel lesson in response to the request, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Our Lord responds with, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” And he further states “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (Jn 12:21, 23, 32).
Christ gives a radical mercy to us, and calls from us—in His Name—the same. The call of Christ is absolute. He is God. He is worshipped as God by the magi (Mt 2.11). He is worshipped as God after His resurrection, by the disciples (Mt 28.17) Thus, the First Commandment applies in our worship toward him: “You shall have no other Gods.” Nowhere does this hit more powerfully than with family ties. If family “responsibilities” call for unfaithful worship or life, then one must abandon family and follow Christ. (See Lk 14.25-35) There is no half-way here. Jesus, as with Moses before Him, “sets before us life and good, death and evil.” (Dt 30.15) Part of that call is always to receive in mercy those who are repentant, even if history and hurt and justice seem otherwise. Through Paul, God called Philemon to practice this towards Onesimus. Who is it in your life, who needs mercy from you?
We believe that a consistent, Scripture-based order of service, or ‘liturgy’—particularly sung liturgy—is better for the faith-formation of all ages. We believe that Jacob and Delores: A Love Story presents powerful evidence for that conviction. In this episode you’ll hear Season Two’s Jacob’s Story re-told, and—in a clip we received permission to publish—you’ll also hear a much older woman names Delores confess her faith in Christ.
This isn’t a romantic love story. It’s an ecclesiastical love story, a story about how Christ loves His people and continues to teach them through the ministry of a Church that keeps deliberate communion with those who have come before us and with those yet to know Christ, a Church that knows how enduring faith in Christ is nurtured and sustained. Jacob and Delores: A Love Story provides much of the affective evidence for several conversations that will occur in Season 3. It’s about what is best for the spiritual health of all of God’s people.
Recorded 26 August, A.D. 2025
“Jacob’s Story” is about a lot of things. This account, his parents’ summary of his last days with us, is both heart-rending and faith-filling. It is a tragedy, but one that is imbued with Christian hope. “Jacob’s Story” is an episode to which we will refer many times in Season 3 and beyond, for what happened with Jacob Juneau changed more than the lives of his family. It changed the lives of many others. We suspect, as the conversation continues, that “Jacob’s Story” is going to change more lives than, perhaps, even we can imagine.
We had a long break in Season 2 of Christ In All Things. We’ll talk a bit about that in Season 3. Starting soon, Christ In All Things will not only be the podcast location for teaching and interviews, but also for sermons delivered at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and for other teaching and conversation at events such as our Reformation Tap Society. We’re glad to be back.
Recorded 14 May, A.D. 2025.
In Part 2 of our interview with Brett Helwig we talk about how life in the church is forming him, and how his talents in music and engineering combine in Christ. We have a delightful introduction to his very engineer-ish encounter, courtship, and marriage to a vivacious farm girl named Kerri. We also hear about the Helwig’s journey to membership at St. Paul’s and love of God's creation. To listen to Brett is to hear a man who is very self-aware, loves to learn, and has an engaging sense of humor and Christian humility.
Recorded 30 April, A.D. 2024.
Brett Helwig is “not an overthinker.” Funny thing to say for an engineer! Yet, as you’ll hear in Part 1 of our interview, Brett Helwig thinks both broadly and carefully. He comes from faithful, servant stock with deep, deep Christian faith. That family was very formative for him, as were some significant events in his young life. Brett was born in 1995, so as of this recording he’s less than 30 years old, but to hear him is to hear a Biblical wisdom formed in the crucible of faithful family and church life under the cross of Jesus.
Recorded 30 April, A.D. 2024.
Chief of sinners. Child of God. Pastor Harrison Goodman preaches Christ crucified as a light that shines in darkness and a hope for the hopeless. As content executive, he helps to make these same gifts known online by employing the many voices and talents of our brothers and sisters in Christ. He believes that while the internet cannot replace Word and Sacrament ministry, it doesn’t need to try. How he came to be a Christian, a husband, and a father (let alone a Pastor) is a great story.
Chief of sinners. Child of God. Pastor Harrison Goodman preaches Christ crucified as a light that shines in darkness and a hope for the hopeless. As content executive, he helps to make these same gifts known online by employing the many voices and talents of our brothers and sisters in Christ. He believes that while the internet cannot replace Word and Sacrament ministry, it doesn’t need to try. How he came to be a Christian, a husband, and a father (let alone a Pastor) is a great story.
In Part 2 of our conversation with Kerri Helwig we move from the discussion of changing churches and the challenges of friendship to the absolutely formative culture of farm life. Though Kerri doesn’t live on a large farm, she has a fascinating career in agriculture. She brings a delightful humor to related “aromatic” subjects, to discussion of her artistic creations, to her courtship and marriage to Brett Helwig (Whom she met at the University of Wisconsin—Platteville—and with whom she serves in a number of ways at St. Paul’s.), and to her passion for outdoor adventure. Christ is, indeed, in all things.
Recorded 27 February, A.D. 2024.
It is flat-out amazing the stories that you can hear simply by asking someone the origins and meaning of their name. Then, when you ask, “What are the top three-to-five things that formed you as a human being,” well, that’s a recipe for a really great conversation. From the tragic and inspiring story from which Kerri got her name, to the challenges of changing churches and its impact on friendship, you will enjoy meeting Kerri Helwig, who brings a winsome and airy honesty to discussion of the Christian life.
Recorded 27 February, A.D. 2024.
What does a White Castle slider have to do with grief? Listen to “Grieving with Hope: Year Two” to find out! This concludes our series of interviews with Pastor Jason Schockman regarding death of his father on August 8, 2022. This series is intended to provide a listening ear into the grieving process, where hearers encounter the reality of grief and an abiding Christian hope. Discerning ears will note the maturity of this two-year-old grief; that is, it is a grief that understands itself better and is a little more well-rounded.
Recorded 8 August, A.D. 2024.
This is Part 2 of our interview with Grace Beatrice Olson, and it really is a treasure. In a congregation nearly 160 years old, not often do pastors have the opportunity to converse with members who have connections to the congregation’s founding. Grace was able and willing to share stories from farm life and early St. Paul’s church and school. We talk about the development of hymnals, its use as a prayer book, her fascinating work history for the Pabst family (of Pabst Brewing fame), and her marriage and family life with Duane Olson. Grace’s is a story of dedication to Christ, and the sustaining activities of worship and life that need to be heard by moderns who have so much disconnection from God and the land.
Recorded 15 April, A.D. 2024
Grace Olson is a Loppnow, making her a descendant of the some of the founding members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in 1865. As you’ll hear, Grace has delightful senses of humor and curiosity. Grace comes from a family of six children, and speaks with thankfulness about her family of origin and the life of faith inculcated by her parents and key figures in the history of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School. Whether you’re a historian or love stories of a simple Christian life, you’ll be blessed to listen in on this conversation.
Recorded 15 April, A.D. 2024
Dave Meyer has no illusions about what worship is and the purpose of the Church. He says, “We’re not here on Sunday mornings because we’re wonderfully good people. We’re here because we know how bad we are and we need that forgiveness.” In Part 2 of our interview with Dave we explore what it means to be “Lutheran,” we further discuss his shared faith and practice in his family, the importance of being asked to serve as a youth, and we talk about parenting and men’s ministry (called Journeymen at St. Paul’s). This interview is a joyful, full-of-flesh, Christ-in-all-things kind of conversation. Enjoy.
Recorded 4 April, A.D. 2024
“This is the deal, and away we go…” David Robert Meyer has deep roots in the Lutheran confession of the Christian faith and in SE Wisconsin. He gratefully and thankfully follows in the family history of serving in the church. He also has a wonderful marriage a family story, with its own unique twists. In this episode you will hear how thankful he is for the key people in his life . . . and that he knows and trusts the One who is behind it all.
Recorded 4 April, A.D. 2024
In Part Two of our conversation with Jackie Meyer she noted that of those conceived with Turner’s Syndrome only two percent live to birth. As a result, Jackie has a profound sense of thankfulness and purpose. This thankfulness and purpose deeply informs the adoption and parenting of their son, indeed, the whole of her life and service in the church, especially with “the little things.”
Recorded 21 February, A.D. 2024
Jaclyn Marie Meyer’s doctor once described her as “the little engine that could.” When you listen to this conversation you’ll understand why that is apt, for Jackie Meyer has had her challenges since birth. In this episode we talk about her Turner’s Syndrome with candor and Christian hope. Among other things, we hear the wonderful story of her early-twenties encounter with a college lad named Dave Meyer and how life at St. Paul’s shaped her significantly.
It seems that Jackie serves everywhere in the congregation, but—as we joke—“in a diminutive way.” Her service, unlike her husband’s, is a little more behind-the-scenes. Nevertheless, she is—befitting her name—a humble yet faithful and tenacious servant of Christ.
Recorded 21 February, A.D. 2024
In Part 2 of this live conversation between two best friends, Mark Tredray and Rev. Jason Schockman, the best friends talk about the development of their friendship, disappointments, and the centrality of God’s forgiveness. The banter is genuine but the central point is this: “What makes friendship work is when it’s grounded in the forgiveness and grace we have in Christ.” Whether you have great friends or want to learn friendship, theirs is a lot to learn from this conversation. Enjoy the banter and the wonderful Q&A in the last half of this episode.
This was recorded at Reformation Tap Society on February 18, 2024. Their talk is entitled, “Bonfires, Brews, and Board Games: Cultivating Christian Friendship.” Reformation Tap Society is held on the third Sunday at BrewFinity Brewing Co. (www.brewfinitybrewing.com.) from 5-7pm, September through May.
Recorded 18 February, A.D. 2024
This is Part 1 of a live conversation between two best friends, Mark Tredray and Rev. Jason Schockman. Recorded at Reformation Tap Society on February 18, 2024, their talk is entitled, “Bonfires, Brews, and Board Games: Cultivating Christian Friendship.” As these two readily admit, they are “experts on friendship only inasmuch as we have made things work.” They recognize that there is both providence and volition in Godly friendship. These two are particularly interesting in helping people move from acquaintance to friendship.
Reformation Tap Society is held on the third Sunday at BrewFinity Brewing Co. (www.brewfinitybrewing.com.) from 5-7pm, September through May.
Recorded 18 February, A.D. 2024
“The triune God,” notes Dr. John Kleinig, “designed [the human body] for himself and for participation in his own eternal life . . . he designed it so that he could show himself bodily to other embodied people and give them bodily access to himself by his theophany, his physical appearance to them in Jesus. . . The human body was made to bridge two realms: the invisible, eternal realm of God and the visible, temporal real of this creation.” (John Kleinig, Wonderfully Made, 14) This view of the human body, that it is a “shrine,” contrasts sharply with the typically worldly view. In Part 3 of our discussion of the “Introduction” to Dr. Kleinig’s book, we explore this and some of the implications.
Though listeners do not have to have the book to benefit from the discussion, we encourage listeners to get their own copy of Wonderfully Made: A Protestant Theology of the Body byJohn Kleinig. We will quote from and discuss the hard cover version published in 2021 by Lexham Press.
Recorded 31 January, A.D. 2024
This Part 2 of our re-published interview with Colin Murdy, which was recorded on August 3, 2022, in a moment when business was particularly tight for Colin. We’re republishing this as part of Season Two’s “Christian Entrepreneurship” series.
Part two includes important conversations about risk, learning, Godly discernment, God’s will, and the creative process. It was a delight for the hosts to listen to this again, and to share it again.
We republished this, in part, because our recording equipment is broken. We hope to be up and running with new episodes in February 2024.
Originally recorded 3 August, A.D. 2022
This interview was first released as a bonus episode on August 5, 2022. We remastered it into two parts that—we think—fit nicely into Season Two’s “Christian Entrepreneurship” series.
Colin Murdy was simply being generous, as his parents taught him to be, but by placing a stunning leather journal in another’s hand he opened a window of discovery. It turned out to be an important act of Christian service. In this bonus episode of Christ In All Things we interview Colin, the founder and CEO of the Murdy Creative Company. Our interview begins with a very personal “thank you,” and our conversation ranges from the goodness of the creation, to acts of service, the importance of handwriting, entrepreneurship, etc. For more information about the Murdy Creative Company, see https://murdycreative.co or search for the company on your social media platform.
Originally recorded 3 August, A.D. 2022
Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Pete Sheild becomes even more vivid, as we pick up from the lessons Pete learned as a high school state basketball champion to the beginnings of his entrepreneurial impulse. Pete speaks of the significant impact being part of a pastor’s family had on his business practice, and his personal interactions with patients and employees. We also have the opportunity to begin a conversation regarding Pete’s new retirement venture: writing fiction that is deeply rooted in his family history and sense of adventure. To listen to this two-part conversation is—very much—to see Christ In All Things.
Recorded 13 September, A.D. 2023.
Can a dentist really be called an entrepreneur? We think so, and so does Pete Sheild, a man of varied interests and abilities. Pete is the son of a pastor. His Christian faith deeply influenced his vocational choices and sustained him in trial. He owned and operated a successful practice named Sheild Family Dentistry for many years. In Part 1 of our interview we talk about the birth of the business, but also about significant youth experiences that shaped his character and understanding of his capabilities.
Is there such a thing as “Christian entrepreneurship”? Mark and Renee Ebert would definitely say, “Yes!” They are the owners of Ebert’s Greenhouse Village (www.ebertsgreenhouse.com) in Ixonia, Wisconsin. In Part 2 of our interview we continue the conversation about what formed Mark, Renee, and their business. This takes us further into their history, and to the profound spiritual and economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which changed the Eberts and the business they steward in Christ’s name and for His glory.
In this wonderful interview you’ll meet Mark and Renee Ebert, owners of Ebert’s Greenhouse Village (www.ebertsgreenhouse.com) in Ixonia, Wisconsin. Ebert’s is now a “greenhouse experience,” with millions of dollars in gross income, but it didn’t start that way. Listen for the humble origins with Mark’s father, Mark’s “buy in,” and the arrival of Renee Baganz into Mark’s life and the ways they have grown as a couple and as a business. This is a beautiful and inspiring story of truly Christian entrepreneurship.
This November-December (2023) is an interesting time. On the world stage there are disturbing wars in Ukraine and in Israel. There is metaphorical saber-rattling for the 2024 presidential election. There’s much about which to be concerned. But here, in our Christ In All Things 2023 Advent-Christmas Preview, we preview the St. Paul’s—Oconomowoc (WI) mid-week Advent series, “Peace on Earth” and our week-end theme, “Glorious Simplicity.” We also look forward to the 2023 Christmas season. In all this Christ offers us a peace that the world cannot give, a life rooted in the eternal Word, and an abiding hope.
Listen for the times and dates of the mid-week series, and also for important adjustments to the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day service times.
In Part 2 of our interview with Cheryl Tesch we talk about how Cheryl was formed by her service to the church, and by some very challenging situations in her life. Here, again, Cheryl’s candor and faithfulness are on display. It is a delightful conversation about how Christ forms His servants by the Word of God, suffering, and the fellowship of believers. (Recorded on August 30, 2023.)
Every Christian congregation needs at least one Cheryl Tesch. She is a "get things done person." This is the first of our two-part interview with Cheryl, who (You will see 😊) is a Christian of deep faith, humility, candor, and good humor. Over the years she has served St. Paul’s in more ways than we could probably count. For the pastors who interview her and serve along side her, it’s a great honor. If you don’t know Cheryl, you’ll enjoy this introduction; if you do know her, it will deepen your appreciation for her journey in Christ.
Part 2 of our interview with Dan Eifert is an American symphony of sorts. It is the story of a man and a woman (Dan and Rachelle) who are at a liberal arts university to pursue medical careers, but whose participation in a university choir—and the addition of a music major for one—becomes a prelude to a grander journey involving unforeseen career paths, travels around the world, and—both metaphorically and literally—a journey home, in which Christ is the center of a family where music, service, and cultivating the giftedness of children is a God-given joy and privilege.
Dan Eifert comes from a long line of church workers; though he doesn’t have a formal “Divine Call” from the church, he and his family serve in many ways. In Part 1 of our interview with Dan we explore the power of a name, and of a family of people molded by Christ and Christ’s service in His Church.
Sara Ruth (Mueller) Benes was a seventh grader when her family moved to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin from Salt Lake City, Utah. The rest is living St. Paul’s history. Except for a time out-of-state in college and then early in her career and married life, Sara has been a fixture at St. Paul’s, where for some years she has been the third grade teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. In this episode we reflect on the Biblical and familial importance of her name. Above all, in Part 1 of our interview, you’ll hear how thankful Sara is to come from generations of people for whom Christ and worship, church and service are the very center of their lives.
On August 8, 2022, Rev. Gary Schockman died in The LORD. In the last year Pastor Lance O’Donnell has been interviewing his colleague, Rev. Jason Schockman, about “grieving with hope.” In this interview, recorded one year after his father’s death, we hear through the discussion the abiding and life-changing hope that Christ gives, and—among other things—we hear about the importance of conversation seasoned with the salt of God’s Word.
In Part 2 of our interview with Dale Stratil, we probe for the top 3-5 things that have formed Stratil Enterprises, Inc. (www.stratil.com) In the process we discovered that the Stratils laugh about operating a “boomerang factory.” We also discover how Dale and Kim enjoy working together, a fascinating correspondence with friendship, and that above all, Christian entrepreneurship “is not about how hard you work, but about how you work” for God, for your customer, and for one another.
While pursuing a business and information technology degree at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a classmate of Dale Stratil (Pronounced STRAY-till) asked him if he was getting lots of questions about how to solve computer problems. The friend thought there would be a way for them to get paid for this. In 1994 that led to formation of Stratil Enterprises, Inc. (www.stratil.com), a customer-service focused technology firm that is foundationally and continually influenced by the Christian faith of its owners, Dale and Kim Stratil. Part 1 of our interview speaks of the foundations of the enterprise and asks the question, “Is there such a thing as Christian entrepreneurship?” As you’ll see, Dale has a definite answer.
Season Two of Christ In All Things will bring more teaching on the “theology of body,” worship, holiness, and friendship. We also plan to explore the joys and challenges of Christian entrepreneurship. In this conversation our hosts ponder the great opportunities for discussion ahead.
In part 2 of our Season 1 wrap-up, we start with a laugh . . . and then decide to keep laughing. . . because—as we look ahead to the Season 2 discussions and teaching about the “theology of the body”—it is a joy to be a redeemed child of God and enjoy the company of others. Laugh along with us as we talk about practical jokes we played on one another and give a glimpse into things we’ve been learning at St. Paul’s this year that will transfer to further and deeper teaching and conversation in Season 2, which will begin in June 2023. Thank you for listening!
Christ in All Things is a local, congregational podcast. It is designed to be an ear into pastoral conversations about the life in Christ that has its epicenter at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. We teach on the podcast, and we listen to the stories of some wonderful people. As we wrap-up Season 1 we consider what we learned, reflecting on the joys and challenges of the Christian life and of podcasting.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead changes everything. It means that all Jesus said is true. He is God in the flesh, who forgives the sins of all and gives new and eternal life. We encourage everyone to join us for that celebration, which is commonly called “Easter.” But, with this preview we want to encourage you to deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ resurrection . . . by participating in the remembrances of what happened to Jesus in the days leading up to His resurrection; notably, His suffering and death.The daily services of Holy Week at St. Paul’s begin with the 5pm Palm Sunday service on April 1st and end with the 10:30am service on Easter Sunday, April 9th. Listen for all that happens in-between, and for the opportunities to understand and deepen your faith thereby.
So often we go about our lives—going to school or work, going to the grocery store or out to eat—we see all kinds of different people… and have no idea of the incredible stories that are playing out among them. Dorothy Duchow is a sweet and kind church lady. She loves the Lord, loves to sing, loves to serve, but there’s a fascinating adventure story that formed her. Part 2 of our interview with discusses that story, her very important work and family history. Hers is a story of God at work. This interview is what Christ In All Things is all about. If you don’t know her, you’ll love Dorothy Duchow.
Dorothy means “God’s gift.” Fay in Hebrew means “loyalty, trust,” or “hope.” To meet Dorothy Fay Duchow is to know someone who confesses Jesus Christ as God’s gift, someone who lives in abiding hope. Part 1 of our interview with Dorothy discusses the significance of her name and her Great Depression-era beginnings in West Allis, Wisconsin, including a fascinating living situation as a girl, a wonderful experience with a Lutheran school teacher, and a remarkable lifetime friend.
Family life has all kinds of “unintended consequences.” For example, you may walk the path together in one way for years and then have to take a different route because of construction… and discover a new a fascinating path. Something analogous happened at St. Paul’s in 2022. After years of struggling with a sound system that didn’t work well in our acoustical environment, a new line array speaker was installed that significantly improved things. Installation of the new speaker required taking down an old projection screen that was used primarily for the order of worship at our 10:30 service. We needed to print the order of service while we figured out what to do with projection. The unintended consequence was a discovery of significant advantages to printing the service. Worship Whatnot 5: Why We Print is a discussion of the pros and cons and printing and screens for worship at our 10:30 service.
From ancient times, the Church has kept the season of Lent as a time of prayerful and penitential reflection. We fast. We refrain from “Alleluias” (Hebrew for “praise The LORD”). Musical adornment is diminished, etc. It is also, historically, a time of intense teaching leading up to the remembrance of Jesus death on Good Friday and His resurrection on Easter Sunday. In this “2023 Lent Preview” Pastors O’Donnell and Schockman talk about the teaching emphasis on the “theology of the body” and on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) emphasis on the song of the church.
This is our second-last conversation with Rev. Jason Schockman about “Grieving with hope.” We recorded this, by design, was one half-year after his father’s death. There isn’t a great “milestone” in this episode, and every grief journey is unique, but this conversation is a journey of memory, and as such it is an example of the kind of questions one might ask as one walks with another in grief.
Our last conversation with Rev. Jason Schockman occurred just a month after his father’s death. That was a conversation filled with Christian hope and thankfulness. This conversation in our “Grieving with Hope” series picks up after the Schockmans passed through “the holiday season”: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. The hope and thankfulness remain a steady current… but it’s different. As such, this conversation may be helpful to others struggling with post-holiday grief. It may also be helpful to those looking for ways to support those who are grieving. Throughout—as you will hear—the love and hope and Christ abide.
Full of energy and the joy of Christ, Mary Hickenbottom serves as a sister, a friend, a realtor, a property manager, and as the volunteer Director of The Lord’s Cupboard, the food pantry of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Part 2 of our interview with Mary is an exploration of how Jesus Christ led Mary to quietly direct a service of the congregation by which God gives daily bread to those in need. This interview is also an opportunity to hear how The Lord’s Cupboard works and to hear Mary, in particular, rejoice in the team with whom she serves.
Mary Kay (Zastrow) Hickenbottom is a “lifer” at St. Paul’s: Baptized, confirmed, married, etc. Oconomowoc community members may know her as a realtor and property manager; many others know her as the volunteer Director of St. Paul’s food pantry, “The Lord’s Cupboard.” In Part 1 of our interview with Mary we explore—even as flawed as she admits that she is—how Jesus Christ began to mold her into a unique servant of The LORD. As you will hear, she comes from great stock: the late +Dennis+ and +Florence+ Zastrow are her parents. (If you listened to our interview with Gary Flanagan you heard about the Christian influence of Denny Zastrow on Gary and many others.) Even more wonderful than the family from which she comes is the Christ who has been at work in Mary her whole life. To meet Mary is to meet the kind of person who Christians of the past would nod and say, “Yes, hers is The Way of The LORD.”
Glenn Leidel is a tall, strong, gentle man, This, Part Two of our interview with Glenn, takes us from some very formative childhood experiences, to the exploration of his “pun-y-ness,” to his courtship and marriage to Linda (nee Eggers), to children, grandchildren, the importance of Christian education, and service in the church, where he is—as Pastor Schockman says—“immensely active.”
Glenn Robert Leidel is a retired deputy fire chief. That alone tells you a lot about his understanding of life as a call to service, an understanding that is rooted in his Christian faith. Those around St. Paul’s presently may know Glenn primarily as the guy who helps get things done with church properties, but he is also a son, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a musician, a churchman. This is Part One of a two-part conversation with this fine man of faith, a conversation about his faithful and challenging origins. To listen to this conversation is to gain an even deeper appreciation of Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, ESV)
“Worship Whatnot 4: Why Do We Sing in Church?” is the fourth episode in our Worship Whatnot series. How we answer this question has a deep impact on the music selected for public worship, especially in the Divine Service. Our guest is St. Paul’s Director of Parish Music, Allison Mackie. Her perspective on singing together in the Divine Service is wonderful in the true sense of the word. We sing the truths of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ as God has revealed it. We confess what we have received from God. We receive and give the love and hope of Christ together.
Bill Voss is one of the very few living World War II veterans, and there are a lot of interviews with WWII veterans about the war. Those are important conversations, but perhaps even more important is what these folks built when they came home: in the family, in the church, and in the community. Part 2 of our interview explores Bill’s life after the war. It is an ordinary conversation about God at work in common ways… and that is marvelous. We have a good laugh about Bill doing whatever was necessary for him to get his preferred pew in church, and—for a man who lived through the baby boom, the birth of Rock n’ Roll, the Cold War, the civil rights movement, the moon landing, the Vietnam War, etc.--Bill gives a fascinating answer to the question, “What is the most surprising thing you saw since coming back from World War II?” Bill Voss is a Christian who “abounds in hope.” (Romans 15:13)
This conversation was recorded on 11 October, A.D. 2022.
For the second-half of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century people, thousands of people walked by William Henry Frederick “Bill” Voss on the street, worked next to him at the Carnation factory, or sat next to him in church… and likely had little or no idea of the extraordinary story that God was unfolding. Bill was born on June 24, 1922. His father died when he was a fourth grader, and he had to drop out of school, become the man of the house, and take care of the farm. In Part 1 of our interview with Bill we marvel at the faithful resolution of this quiet man, Hear the story of his earliest years, which includes one of the most remarkable accounts of church attendance we have ever heard. We also learn of his courtship of Margaret Roberts and his service as a World War II artillery man under U.S. General George Patton.
This conversation was recorded on 11 October, A.D. 2022.
In June 2021, still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Lutheran school teacher and wrestling coach, Michael Stollenwerk went in for what was expected to be—all things considered—a minor brain surgery. Things went well at first. And then they didn’t go well… And then Jenny Stollenwerk had a front row seat to a miracle.
Our interview with Michael and Jenny was recorded live at St. Paul’s 2022 Biblical Marriage Retreat. This is an account of perseverance, faith, hope, and love. It’s an account of two faithful Lutheran school teachers who were busy doing their thing… and then a marriage deepened through the faithfulness of God and a revelation of what their marriage was. Listeners should note that the beginning of the show is mostly Jenny telling the story of what happened with the brain surgeries and how God was at work. When you hear Michael speak you hear the raspy voice of man putting in serious work to get his voice back. Patient listening will be rewarded with an account of deep faithfulness and profound joy.
This conversation was recorded on 13 November, A.D. 2022.
This is Part 2 of our interview with a living legend, Gary Flanagan. We take a deeper dive into the youth group activities, Christian education, and other St. Paul’s legends who formed him. And then the conversation swings to the quiet but important ways in which Gary has been led to serve. In all this we see Christ at work in the lives of many, many people. It is an inspiration for our life together.
This conversation was recorded on 6 September, A.D. 2022.
Gary Flanagan is a fixture at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. A legend. But he’s not the flamboyant, extroverted type. He works with his hands, mostly behind the scenes, faithfully and quietly serving his family, neighbors, and church. In Part 1 of our interview we talk a lot about the faithful and independent parents who formed him… and some very other important people in the life of St. Paul’s.
This conversation was recorded on 6 September, A.D. 2022.
One month after his father’s death, Rev. Jason Schockman’s grief is different than it was earlier… and complicated. Grieving with hope is confidence in Christ in all things, but in this world we also wrestle with our own sinful flesh. The Christian will simultaneously love God’s Word and need it… and within moments recoil at expressions of sympathy. Whether you’ve experienced grief or not, this conversation is an interesting ear into grieving with hope.
This conversation was recorded on 23 September, A.D. 2022.
This is Part 2 of our interview with Adriana Lubner, a Lutheran Kindergarten teacher who loves to learn and to serve. Though in her mid-20s, she has served on a number of mission trips, and has a delightful stubborn streak that has made her an excellent runner and a passionate witness of the good new of forgiveness and life in Jesus Christ.
Recorded 30 August, A.D. 2022
Adriana Lubner teaches Kindergarten (5K) at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. She also is the middle school youth director, and coaches cross-country and track. She is a recent graduate of Concordia University—Wisconsin, was homeschooled as a youth, and has had an amazing family and people who helped form her as a human being. She started teaching Sunday School to her neighbors when she was little. She is an inspiring example of what it means to be confident in Christ.
Recorded 30 August, A.D. 2022.
“Worship Whatnot 3: The Service of The Sacrament” is the third episode of a three-part series on worship. There are two great “foundation stones” of Christian worship: Word and Sacrament. This episode is about The Lord’s Supper; in particular, about the ceremony around and about this Sacrament. The Lord’s Supper is exceedingly important on many levels. If you’re not familiar with Christian teaching on The Lord’s Supper, or come from a church tradition that doesn’t focus much on it, this episode might be a bit of a mind-bender for you. All the more reason to listen. All the more reason to come in-person and begin to understand more about the gifts Christ so freely—but not cheaply—gives.
Grieving with hope is confidence in Christ in all things. Because it is confidence in Christ, it weeps at death because it knows what death really is, and because it is confidence in Christ it abounds in thanksgiving for what is truly good and true and beautiful. Grieving with hope is deeply, deeply personal… and familial. Part 2 of our interview with Jason Schockman, just two days after his father’s funeral, takes us deep into the glories and trials of the Christian family.
This conversation was recorded 19 August, A.D. 2022.
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope,” the LORD says through St. Paul. “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14, ESV) To listen to this conversation with Jason Schockman, recorded just two days after his father’s funeral, is to hear a man grieving with hope… and to speak with poignant reverence for his faithful, Christian mother.
“Week 1” of “Grieving with Hope” is the first of a handful of interviews we’ll do with Rev. Schockman over the next couple years as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death toward the green pastures of eternal life. Our goal is to provide an insight into Christian hope, and—in the conversation itself—to come alongside our friend and colleague.
This conversation was recorded 19 August, A.D. 2022.
Jason Schockman is a Lutheran pastor. Mark Tredray is a Lutheran school teacher. Their friendship goes back well before those vocations were given… but once they were given the friendship became all the more poignant and important, for—while they are still just Christian men—they are also Christian men whose vocations come with particular challenges. Part 2 of our conversation deepens the conversation and gives insight not only into Christian friendship generally but to the nuances of church worker friendships; in particular, to the importance of pastoral friendships. Enjoy the second-half of the conversation between these two great friends.
This conversation was recorded 10 June 2022.
Jason Schockman and Mark Tredray have a special friendship that dates back to 1997. It’s a friendship rooted in Christ and deepened through shared experience. We at St. Paul’s want to encourage people to have Christian friendships, to be open to meeting fellow Christians, and making the commitment to love, service, and companionship that true friendship is. Enjoy Part 1 of this conversation between two great friends… Or are they brothers?
Recorded 10 June 2022.
“Worship Whatnot 2: The Service of The Word” is the second of a three-part series on worship. It concerns the first of two great foundation stones of the Church’s worship. The Service of The Word is a marvelous symphony of receiving and giving, of hearing and responding to the Word of Christ that sets us free from sin and death. If what you know is more of a fast-food type of religion, “Worship Whatnot 2: The Service of The Word” will help prepare you for the theological feast that awaits in the Lutheran Divine Service.
Everyone can learn from this series, but these are geared toward visitors who come with either no significant church background or Christians who come from “evangelical,” “non-denominational,” and non-liturgical backgrounds.
This is Part 2 of our delightful interview with Roxie Gerlach. We talk about her family’s life in Christ. We learn a lot about aging gracefully from Roxie’s reflection upon her parents, Andy and Louise Stenson.
Roxie Gerlach is a legend at St. Paul’s. She taught Kindergarten for 40 years. Her love for Christ, her goofy wit, her tenderness and faithfulness and persistence in teaching little children is remarkable. She also comes from remarkable people. When we interviewed her on 17 May 2022 Roxie’s blessed mother, Louise Stensen, had recently been called to the Church Triumphant. A lot of this interview is about her parents, aging gracefully, and what she learned from them.
As a follow-up to Episode 3, “Visiting St. Paul’s,” with “Worship Whatnot 1: The Preparation,” we begin a three-part series on “why we do what we do” in worship. “The Preparation” is about how and why the Lutheran worship service (Divine Service) begins the way it does.
Everyone can learn from this series, but these are geared toward visitors who come with either no significant church background or Christians who come from “evangelical,” “non-denominational,” and non-liturgical backgrounds.
This is part 2 of our interview with Jill George, the 2021-2022 South Wisconsin District (LCMS) “Principal of the Year.” She’s an outstanding educator and administrator. She is a great woman of faith who keeps “Christ in all things,” but learning that and living that has not been a linear process for Jill. In Part 2 of our interview we get a deeper understanding of the trials and difficulties by which Christ formed Jill.
Jill George is the 2021-2022 South Wisconsin District (LCMS) “Principal of the Year.” She’s an outstanding educator and administrator. She is a great woman of faith who keeps “Christ in all things,” but learning that and living that has not been a linear process for Jill. In Part 1 of our interview we get to know Jill and begin to see the unique ways by which Christ formed her.
Planning to visit St. Paul’s? This episode will help you know what to expect and understand what you’ll see. We approach this from our location in downtown Oconomowoc (Oh-CAHN-o-mo-wok), Wisconsin. You’ll discover that the architecture and artwork at St. Paul’s both reflect and teach what we believe about Christ.
In this bonus episode of Christ In All Things we interview some of the Youth Group at St. Paul’s. We’re talking about names and nicknames. We talked about the significance of how we reflect the meaning and importance names have in relationships with one another and with God in Christ.
In Part 2 of our bonus episode of Christ In All Things we continue the interview with some of the Youth Group at St. Paul’s. We’re talking about names and nicknames. We talked about the significance of how we reflect the meaning and importance names have in relationships with one another and with God in Christ, and we talk about keeping Christ In All Things in college.
This is “Part 2” of our interview with Don and Karen Meyer.
June is “Biblical Marriage Month” at St. Paul’s. It is a celebration of God’s design for marriage, even as it is lived out in the brokenness of this world. Christ is “in all things.” (Col 1.17) He is in marriages that are thriving, and in marriages that are struggling. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27, ESV) Christ’s call is to follow, and since—per Ephesians 5—the marriage of Christ and His Church is the true marriage, we all have a vested interest in helping God’s design for marriage be known and practiced. Being a Christian family is about forgiving as we have been forgiven by Christ, and about growing in faith, hope, and love.
June is “Biblical Marriage Month” at St. Paul’s. It is a celebration of God’s design for marriage, even as it is lived out in the brokenness of this world. Christ is “in all things.” (Col 1.17) He is in marriages that are thriving, and in marriages that are struggling. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27, ESV) Christ’s call is to follow, and since—per Ephesians 5—the marriage of Christ and His Church is the true marriage, we all have a vested interest in helping God’s design for marriage be known and practiced. Being a Christian family is about forgiving as we have been forgiven by Christ, and about growing in faith, hope, and love.
In this episode of Christ In All Things we interview Don and Karen Meyer. Don and Karen are members of St. Paul’s “Marriage Ministry Team.” We learned a lot from Don and Karen about how God is at work in their lives, and they learned some things about one another.