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 Salem Lutheran Church and School

September 2026

Blessed No Matter What

By Pastor Ryan Wolfe

By now I hope everyone has heard that I have returned my recent calls to Virginia and Wisconsin, meaning I will stay at Salem to serve God’s people here. It’s difficult to describe what receiving a divine call is like, and how a called worker makes such a life-changing decision in a matter of weeks. But, since I’m now going to be eligible to receive calls twice a year I thought I might share a few thoughts from the “inside” of the process.

First, it is a humbling thing. In Acts 13 the Holy Spirit himself chose and sent Paul to go out as a missionary. We read in Ephesians 4:11, “Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers.” The methods of choosing and sending are obviously different in our church body today, but we believe that the God who was behind sending ministers in the past is still acting through congregations and voters today. 

That means receiving a call to serve a church or school hits differently than just receiving a job offer. It’s not just a group of people who are asking me to come to them and serve, but God himself working through them to say, “this too is a God-pleasing place to minister.” That means every call deserves consideration and prayer. Over my ministry I’ve received thirteen different calls – I’ve accepted two. Each time, though, I’ve had an opportunity to think about how and why I serve as a pastor. I’ve found new ideas by looking at what other churches do, and how they do it. Each time I’ve had the joy of talking to Christians about their Savior and their faith in him. A call is always good.

The decision made is always good as well. One of the Bible passages that influenced my decision to come to Stillwater four years ago was Isaiah 30:21: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Those words of God to his people apply to all of us, but they have special meaning when trying to decide where to take your family, your energy, and your ministry. It comforts me to know that wherever I live and serve, God will be with me, directing my path and giving me strength to walk it. That makes a call deliberation a choice not between the right thing or the wrong thing, but between two (or three!) right things that God will bless in different ways.

In the end, a decision is made on how well the call fits the worker’s gifts and experiences, and how well the timing works for the worker and the ministries involved. It’s not (at least it shouldn’t be) about which ministry is more prestigious, or well-paid, or closer to friends and family. It’s about where I can share Jesus best. I’m grateful that the love and partnership of our members at Salem make it easy to want to stay here. I pray God blesses us, and every Christian church, richly as we share in one gospel ministry.

Ten Days, One Ton of Love

Salem members served alongside Hope Lutheran’s outreach mission

By Tom & Laura Gruetzmacher

Ten people traveled for an exciting and meaningful trip to assist our sister congregation, Hope Lutheran Church, in their summer outreach event! The event took place July 29-August 2 in Tigard, a suburb of Portland. Teams contacted 1500 homes by dropping food collection bags with church information on their doorsteps and returning two days later to pick up food donations for the local food pantry. When a home donated food, we knocked on the door to thank them and gave them information about Hope Lutheran including an invitation to a worship service in a nearby park on Sunday. 

Over a ton of food was collected which brought tears of gratitude from the director of the pantry when delivered! Each day started with a Bible study and planning session including orientation to the areas to be canvassed. Group meals were enjoyed, allowing time to get to know each other and learn more about Hope Lutheran. Hope is a growing congregation that has outgrown their current storefront worship area and are searching for a new home! It was great joy to see a vibrant church reaching out to many people without a church background and see their joy when the Holy Spirit leads them to a Savior they have been missing all their lives!

The culmination was a worship service in the park where the Salem members served as church set up teams, greeters and invited visitors to the park to join us in worship! Close to 90 people attend the service which included 7 adult confirmations and an adult baptism! The baptism was a woman that attended the church picnic the previous year for the first time and wanted to be baptized this year! The day ended with a barbeque and a bean bag toss tournament! Pastor Bourman took home the championship belt!

This was a faith building experience for the team. We had free time to see the beauty of God’s creation in another part of the USA, and see the Gospel spread in a metropolitan area where many souls need Jesus! If you have the chance to go on a mission trip, I strongly encourage you to take the opportunity! Thank you for supporting us in this trip!

In Our Salem Family

Life milestones we’re celebrating this month

A Story of Loss, Faith, and Growth

Meet Our Mission Fest Speaker

Pastor Pheng Moua’s journey to ministry began in a refugee camp. His father warned him, “When you go to America, do not believe in that man they call Jesus Christ.” But God had other plans. Pastor Moua studied the Bible and became part of a core group at Immanuel Hmong Lutheran Church in Inver Grove Heights. The congregation was founded in 1992 by Pastor Ger Yang, but tragedy struck just three years later when Pastor Ger died suddenly during a missionary trip to Thailand. The young church scattered, and only a small remnant remained: his children, a few widows, and a handful of committed young men, including Pheng Moua. From that loss, God brought new growth. On October 16, 1996, Pheng Moua was ordained and called to lead the congregation. Nearly thirty years later, Immanuel Hmong Lutheran Church has grown to more than 40 families and 220 souls. 

Join us for Mission Fest Sunday, October 11, when Pastor Moua will join us as our guest speaker. His story is a beautiful reminder of the gospel’s power in the face of impossible odds. Stay after the late service for a lunch featuring Immanuel Hmong’s famous egg rolls. Egg rolls are available now for pre-order through September 5–6:  be sure to reserve yours so you don’t miss out!

Beyond These Walls

God is Calling Us to Something Greater

We often think of “church” as a building where people gather on Sundays. But that isn’t how the Bible defines church. Instead, Scripture highlights the people, describing believers as the temple where God lives. The Creator of the universe doesn’t need a building for worship because God was never after four walls. He was after us. 

That’s the idea behind this September’s worship series, and our growth target for the next year. We’re calling it “A Year of Discipleship.” A disciple by definition is one who follows. Christ’s disciples follow him in service, in worship, in prayer, and in peace. Discipleship means growing to look more like Jesus in every part of life, not just Sunday morning. This year, we’re challenging each other to find ways to live more like Jesus, to love each other deeply and to care beyond Sunday morning. 

We’re kicking this off with our ministry fair on September 12 & 13. After worship that weekend Salem’s entry will be filled with displays where you can learn about the wide variety of ministries at Salem. This is your chance to ask, “What is the difference between Fellowship and Caring Committee?” Or, “I’m not a committee person, but I love what you’re doing! How can I help and not go to meetings?” 

No one person can do everything we do at Salem, but every person can be a part of something we do here. And together, we find purpose for ourselves, encouragement for one another, and a community of people where it all comes together in Jesus. Plan to spend a few minutes with us, see our Salem family in service, and celebrate what God is doing for us and through us.

Looking Ahead

Three things worth putting on your calendar this month

Jump In: Women’s Bible Study

Join Pastor Pedersen and friends as they gather on the first and third Wednesdays for a midweek women’s bible study. It’s open to women of all ages (and any little people that they’d like to bring.) This year, we will be looking at a study called The Anti-Fragile Christian. Learn with us how God constantly is using hardships to create virtues in us that deepen our relationship with Him. Small children are welcome! See you the 16th after Salem Chapel.

From the Church Council

• Council & families met for their annual picnic at Pastor Wolfe’s house.

• Discussed security at Salem services and possible improvements for general safety.

• Approved line of credit for capital projects and adopted a policy to use it in the future only by voter approval.

Help Support Mission Work in Africa

By Robyn Stoller

What is CAMM? CAMM is Central Africa Medical Mission, a WELS medical mission effort in Zambia and Malawi Africa. Medical clinics, a rural health center and mobile clinic provide many healthcare services for children and adults in both countries.

Who is served by CAMM now? Over 80,000 patients are served annually. Each clinic day begins with devotions so all in attendance can hear the Good News of their Savior.

When did CAMM start? In 1961, WELS began its Christ-centered healthcare supporting Gospel Ministry in Zambia, with a rural health center. In 1970 The Lutheran Mobile Clinic was established in Malawi.

Why did WELS start this ministry? When WELS missionaries began their gospel outreach in Zambia, they realized medical services were a necessity to continue their work. African people had relied only on native practitioners whose healing involved witchcraft. The missionaries knew it was important to share the Good News of salvation through the healing of both body and soul. The groundwork for CAMM was then established.

How can I support CAMM? From now until September 13, the Caring Committee will collect your donations to support this important mission effort. Look for the basket at the CAMM table to place your donation(s). Donations of one or more of these items are appreciated!

Thank you!

• Baby hats and socks

• Baby blankets (‘receiving’ blankets)

• 1- and 2-gallon SLIDER Ziplock bags

• Financial Support – Cash or check made out to Salem with “CAMM” in the memo or go to www.camm.us and click “Donate” at bottom of home page to make secure donation. Online one-time or recurring donations can be made.