The Purpose of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Because we are God’s mission, our purpose is to know Christ and make him known as we gather, grow and sow.
OUR VISION
We gather around Jesus Christ and invite others to gather with us to receive God’s love, and be changed by that love revealed and received through Christ.
We grow in Christ’s likeness in character, faith, love and service; and provide opportunities for others to do the same.
We sow the seeds of God’s love in the world as followers of Jesus Christ, that still others may know Christ and make Him known.
YOU ARE INVITED
“Gather, grow and sow with us, so that together, we may enjoy the fullness of life and the fullness of God’s love in Christ. You are going to love what you become.”
MEET THE PASTOR
Pastor Mark Wilkens was born and raised in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. In 1990 he received a B.A. in Theology from Valparaiso University. In 1994 he earned a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary. Pastor Wilkens has served congregations in Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin. Since November 2008 he has served the as a Vacancy and Intentional Interim Pastor throughout the South Wisconsin District. He is one of 40-50 Intentional Interim Pastors in our church body.
Grace is the thirteenth congregation he has served as an Interim Pastor. Pastor Wilkens was married to Kim Kerpan on August 10, 1991 in Waukegan, Illinois. They met at Valparaiso University. Kim has supplied Mark with much support and encouragement. Kim works for the Kohler School District as a Special Education Aide.
They have two sons and one daughter. Adam is married to Hannah, lives in Fond du Lac, and works in IT. Kevin is married to Melissa, lives in Kohler and works for the US Postal Service. Katie works in Community Development for the City of Cleveland, Ohio. In spare time he enjoys cooking, playing at golf, and minor home projects.
Do you need to talk with Pastor?
Our shepherd is always willing and open to meet with members and non-members of our congregation. If you want to make an appointment, please call the office: (414) 384-3520
OUR LEADERS
OUR INTERIM PASTOR
Pastor Mark Wilkens
OFFICE:
MOBILE:
EMAIL:
CONGREGATIONAL OFFICERS
Terry Donaldson
PRESIDENT
Vacant
VICE PRESIDENT
Randy Schuppe
ELDERS’ DIRECTOR
Brenda Nitz
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
GRACE STAFF
Jane Donaldson: Church Secretary & Altar Guild Coordinator
Jim Barndt & Michael Schenzel: Trustees Team
Lori Eshleman & Emily West: Children’s Ministry
Sue Pritzlaff: Ruth Guild (LWML) President
Telva Szymborski: Organist
Michelle Lenski: Bell Choir Director
Dennis Szymborski: Choir Director
Lon West: Contemporary Music Director
Judy Zarzynski: Caring Connectors, Piece Makers
Shirley Lovas: Happy Crafters
Mighty Fortress Accounting: Treasurer
Spanish Translator: Lucía Segovia
BOARD OF ELDERS
Randy Schuppe, Art Socha, Jim Beyer,
Nate Hamilton, Kenny Lovas, and Dave Gaus.
OUR HISTORY
GRACE is a Christian congregation affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Our history began in 1895, when several families, who were members of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, decided to plant a new congregation under the name of Jehovah Lutheran Church, located in Milwaukee’s South Side. Sixty one years later began a new era at a new location, Kinnickinnic River Parkway, and under the name of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1992, with the expansion of St. Luke’s Hospital, a new building was constructed and Grace moved one more time to its current location.
This was the beginning of a great transformation within the congregation under the leadership of Pastor George Richter. In 2011, with all the changes in the community and the neighborhood, GRACE began a new era. That year, the congregation decided to call a Seminarian from the Lutheran Church of Venezuela: Pastor Germán Novelli Jr. He served Grace for two years under the mentorship of Pastor Ferdinand Bahr. In December 2014, Pastor German was ordained and installed as our Pastor. He has been implementing extraordinary changes in our congregation with the support of our leaders and elders, and has been leading our Hispanic Ministry called COMUNIDAD DE GRACIA, where we seek to reach with the gospel to the Hispanic families who live in Milwaukee’s South Side.
OUR BELIEFS
With the universal Christian Church, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod teaches and responds to the love of the Triune God: the Father, creator of all that exists; Jesus Christ, the Son, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all human beings and to rise to life again in the ultimate victory over death and Satan; and the Holy Spirit, who creates faith through God’s Word and Sacraments. The three persons of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal, one God.
Our belief can be summarized in three phrases:
Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone.
Grace alone. God loves the people of the world, even though they are sinful, rebel against Him and do not deserve His love. He sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable and save the ungodly.
Faith alone. By His suffering and death as the substitute for all people of all time, Jesus purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life for them. Those who hear this Good News and believe it have the eternal life that it offers. God creates faith in Christ and gives people forgiveness through Him.
Scripture alone. The Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible Word, where He reveals His Law
and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the sole rule and norm for Christian doctrine.
MISSIONS
For years, GRACE has been praying for and supporting mission efforts around the world. Currently, we continue to support the work of Pastor Adrian Ventura, a Lutheran missionary serving in Chile.
Additionally, we make financial contributions to two children (one in Africa and another one in South America) who are under the care of an international organization called World Vision.
GRACE is also committed with Hispanic and multiethnic ministries happening in Milwaukee and the country.
On occasions, our church organizes fundraisers and other initiatives to bless and help low-income families in our communities.
