2016

Comm

unity

Impa

ct R

epor

t

Grants Paidin 2016:

$4,114,492

2016 Community Impact ReportWho We Are

• A private, independent foundation governed by an independent Board of Directors and incorporated in the state of Wisconsin.

• Pan-Lutheran in nature, funding requests are accepted from ministry programs associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

• The Foundation has no formal affiliation with any administrative church body.

Our MissionThe Siebert Lutheran Foundation, as a steward of its resources and relationships, enables the Lutheran community to be more collaborative, creative, and effective in how it shares the Word of God, how it educates and instills Christian values in our youth, and how it serves people in need.

Our Funding Priorities• Sharing the Gospel through Lutheran churches and

organizations;• Breaking the cycle of poverty through high-performing,

faith-based education; and• Supporting Bible-based human care and youth

development programs.

Board of Directors

Kurt Bechthold, ChairmanDeni Naumann, Vice-Chairwoman

& SecretaryJulie Van Cleave, Treasurer

Members at LargeSharon AdamsKnute JacobsonThomas KammeraitKurtiss KruegerTimothy LarsonJoan Prince, Ph.D.David RodgersJohn SellarsJohn Zimdars, Jr.

Emeriti DirectorsRichard BarkowChris BauerFrederick GrothJack HarrisRaymond PerryW. David RomoserArmour Swanson

Staff

Brenda SkeltonPresident

Deborah EngelOperations & Program Officer

Michelle BurmeisterCommunications Director

Diane DalhoeAdministrative Assistant

Dear Partners in Christ, Siebert Lutheran Foundation has once again been blessed with an energizing and fruitful year. Albert F. Siebert’s legacy would be unfulfilled without the immense dedication of Christ’s servants doing daily work on His behalf. To that end, in 2016 we granted $4.1 million dollars to nearly 90 organizations and ministries that are diligently serving the Kingdom through sharing the Gospel, educating and instilling Christian values, and serving those in need.

In addition, we co-hosted, with the Theodore W. Batterman Foundation, 13 foundations from across the country in Madison, Wis., at the annual Lutheran Grantmakers & Donors Network meeting, where we shared knowledge and learned from experts about “Missional Grantmaking for Impact.” And, we again held the annual Change or Die Conference in October, attracting 358 ministry leaders with the theme “Building Vital Faith Communities.” But there is still so much to be done to impact the Kingdom: we’re excited to announce that in the summer of 2017 our office will be moving from Brookfield to Milwaukee’s Avenues West neighborhood on the Near West Side. Since 70% of our funding serves city of Milwaukee-based Lutheran churches and ministries, this location makes us more accessible to these ministries and will also have a positive impact on the revival of a historic neighborhood. We are more than grateful for the grace God has bestowed on our partnerships in 2016. The impact of these collaborations is so much greater than what any of us can accomplish alone. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” - Heb. 10:24-25, NIV

In His service,

Kurt BechtholdChairman, Board of Directors

Brenda SkeltonPresident

Our VisionThe Siebert Lutheran Foundation will foster partnerships with and among those serving a world in need and spreading the Good News, particularly in southeastern Wisconsin. As a capacity builder, catalyst, collaborator, and facilitator, the Foundation will work actively with Lutheran synods, congregations, other Christian faith-based organizations, and ministry leaders serving those in need — both earthly needs and eternal needs — by sharing the Gospel.

Our FounderAlbert F. Siebert, the son and brother of Lutheran pastors, had a deep love for the Lutheran Church and left a lasting legacy when he established the Siebert Lutheran Foundation in 1952, originally under the auspices of Milwaukee Electric Tool Company, which he founded.

Total Assetsas of 12.31.16:

$91 million

Breaking

the Cycle o

f Po

verty throug

h Ed

ucation

Cente

r for

Urban

Teac

hing

Teaching With Love

As a second grader in Minnesota’s suburbs, Katrina Bucholz dreamed of becoming a teacher. But, it wasn’t until she was introduced to the Center for Urban Teaching in college that her dream became more focused and profound.

The Center for Urban Teaching began as an outgrowth of the Education Department at Wisconsin Lutheran College, and is now a nonprofit organization based in Milwaukee that works within colleges to identify undergraduate students who are mission-focused. It then prepares and supports them in their early years of becoming high-performing urban teachers. The Center for Urban Teaching believes that by leading with a purpose greater than self, teachers are able to unconditionally love their students and help them reach their potential.

Participating in the Center for Urban Teaching showed Katrina the incredible difference she could make as a teacher in an urban school. Despite a fear of new challenges, she was inspired to join the Center for Urban Teaching summer school teacher training program.

While spending an intense summer of training in Milwaukee, Katrina was immersed in team bonding, professional development and learning classroom management skills. Within weeks, she put the new knowledge to work while teaching in a Center for Urban Teaching summer school, working within a co-teaching model with mentoring from an experienced teacher.

After graduation, Katrina decided to stay in Milwaukee and teach at Risen Savior Lutheran School. As a seventh grade teacher, she was matched with a Center for Urban Teaching mentor to help hone her skills. She also participated in weekly professional development sessions with other beginner teachers.

Katrina works to build genuine relationships of love and respect with her students. By helping them believe in themselves and their future, Katrina can see her students becoming more focused and eager to learn.

Today, Katrina doesn’t fear challenges. She embraces them. As she now works towards her Master’s degree, she plans to become a principal in a Milwaukee urban school and work closely with teachers aspiring to create a bright future for their students.

Center for Urban Teaching prepared us toset up and manage the classroom while gaining

our students’ respect and trust.“ ”

89%of its alumni teach inurban classrooms forfour or more years

Katrina Bucholz and a third grade student

Bib

le-based

Hum

an Care Services

Proje

ct R

ETURN A Second Chance

Nearly 40 percent of men released from Wisconsin prisons end up back in jail. Erick Darrington resolved not to become another statistic.

Erick was only 19 years old when a conviction of armed robbery put an end to his chance at thriving as a young adult. Facing nearly two decades in prison, Erick realized his destructive mindset needed to change.

Even before sentencing, learning became his first priority and he soon discovered a natural ability to work with computers. Before long, his newfound talent was put to use helping other inmates.

But Erick’s work to change his life wasn’t over. His next step in achieving the goal of breaking the cycle of incarceration was Project RETURN (Returning Ex-offenders To Urban Realities and Neighborhoods).

An interfaith ministry that was created in 1980 by Cross Lutheran Church and other congregations and community-based organizations in Milwaukee, Project RETURN helps men and women who have been incarcerated make a positive and permanent return to community, family, and friends. Whether it’s support to secure employment, housing or other needs, Project RETURN works to help clients like Erick rebuild their lives and prevent reincarceration.

In the last two years of his 17-year prison sentence, Project RETURN helped Erick get into a minimum security prison facility to begin his transition into the community. The ministry helped him gain college credits, build his resume, job search, and focus on his future.

Erick was released from prison in 2013. Since then, he’s received his Associate’s degree, began his career in technology systems administration, married the love of his life, and continues to help Project RETURN with computer projects. In fall 2017, he will receive his Bachelor’s degree from Milwaukee School of Engineering and, true to his commitment to learning, Erick plans to push his career even further.

Project RETURN gave me theconfidence to be where I am today.“ ”

53206Milwaukee zip code withthe highest incarceration

rate in the U.S.

Erick Darrington

Sharing the G

osp

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dersh

ip

Devel

opm

ent

Sharing the G

osp

elPastor Sue Eidahl is the lead pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Stratford, Wis. Pr. Eidahl is in year two of the three-year Leading Well program. As a solo pastor, she found that the program’s worship and collaboration with fellow pastors provided tremendous healing and peer support. Pr. Eidahl continues to meet with her Leading Well peer team and she says they continue to become more accomplished than ever before.

Pastor Tim Glende, the lead pastor at St. Peter/The Core in Appleton, Wis., is celebrating the achievement of new goals for himself and his large church. Pr. Tim is part of the Ministry Leadership Institute, ministering to a large church while juggling many responsibilities and challenges. Through the program and its excellent coaching, he has learned faith can overcome fear. It’s a power that nourishes his relationship with Christ, his team, family, and congregation.

Pastor Joel Brandt and his wife Amanda have also focused on becoming stronger leaders. Pr. Joel started Cross Lutheran Church in Waunakee, Wis., a mission sponsored by Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie, Wis. Pr. Joel and Amanda were participants in the Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI), which encourages both the pastor and his spouse to enroll. PLI played a crucial role in helping Pr. Joel and Amanda refine leadership skills and strengthen relationships with family and congregation, both invaluable as they started Cross Lutheran Church.

Building Faith, Family, and A Strong Ministry

Every day, people turn to their pastors for support during times of trial. Pastors help nourish faith and inspire congregants to become a reflection of Christ. Pastors are also called upon to successfully navigate differences and challenges within their congregation. As on-demand spiritual and organizational leaders, pastors and their families benefit from opportunities to strengthen their skills and network with others.

Pastoral leadership development programs funded by the Siebert Lutheran Foundation strive to provide a resource for pastors to hone their leadership, while offering spiritual and peer support. The approved program providers – Leading Well (ELCA), Grace In Action/Ministry Leadership Institute (WELS), and Pastoral Leadership Institute (LCMS) – provide opportunities for pastors to enroll in leadership training, which ultimately helps their congregation and the broader church.

“Uplifting” and “life changing” are words that best describe the value of participating in the pastoral leadership development programs. Building camaraderie among the pastors and the sharing of knowledge offers direct benefits to the pastors, their families and their congregations for years to come. The pastors agree: Christ’s mission is truly being fulfilled by growing their own leadership capacity through participating in these programs.

20

16

Grants P

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More information and get the research:

www.siebertfoundation.org/engagingmillennials

In 2016, Siebert Lutheran Foundation completed Phase Two of the Engaging Millennials in Ministry research project. This second phase, again administered by Outsight Network, was quantitative research, with 2,220 respondents across the United States. The insights gained build on the qualitative phase that was completed in 2015.

Siebert Lutheran Foundation’s objective is to understand the practices and worship traditions that are most effective at reaching and engaging Millennials with the Gospel and developing Millennials as future church leaders; then, share these findings to support effective Millennials ministry practices.

• Key Insights

• Engagement modeL

• Best Practices

• practical applications

39.8%

33.3%

26.6%

.3%

$1,638,571 Sharing the Gospel throughLutheran Churches and Organizations

$1,370,001 Supporting Bible-based Human Care and Youth Development Programs

$1,093,500 Breaking the Cycle of Povery through High Performing Faith-based Education

$12,420 Foundation Governance

$1,638,571 • Sharing the Gospel through Lutheran Churches & Organizations

$528,500 Seminary Scholarship Support

$75,000 Lighthouse Youth Center, Inc., Milwaukee, WI - WLS Vicars & WLC Students

$75,000 Time of Grace Ministry, Milwaukee, WI - Digital Video Content Project

$65,340 Grace in Action, Minneapolis, MN - Pastoral Leadership Development

$50,000 Berea Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Faith and Education Center

$50,000 ELCA East Central Synod, Appleton, WI - Building a Missional Culture

$45,000 ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod, Milwaukee, WI - Leadership Development Program

$25,000 All Peoples Gathering Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Cross-generational Ministries

$25,000 Risen Savior Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Hispanic Ministry Outreach

$25,000 Unity Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Cross-generational Ministries

$24,480 Grace in Action, Minneapolis, MN - Pastoral Leadership Development

$20,800 Frank Zeidler Center for Public Discussion, a Ministry of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Supporting Transformative Change in Lutheran Congregations

$18,500 Lutheran Campus Ministry of Greater Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI - Peer MinistryProgram Support

$13,375 Lutherdale Ministries, Elkhorn, WI - Research Study

$12,000 Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Menomonee Falls, WI - Board Designated Grants

$12,000 Women's Leadership Institute at Concordia University, Mequon, WI - 2017National Conference

$10,000 Kingdom Workers, Wauwatosa, WI - Christian Leadership Experience Travel Subsidy

$10,000 Our Savior Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Board-designated Grant

$10,000 St. Philip Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Board-designated Grant

$10,000 Shepherd's Canyon Retreat, Inc., Phoenix, AZ - Board-designated Grant

$10,000 South Wisconsin District LC-MS, Milwaukee, WI - Hispanic Ministry Outreach

Sharing the Gospel through Lutheran Churches & Organizations (continued)

$9,000 Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel and Student Center, Madison, WI - Board-designated Grant

$5,000 ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod, Milwaukee, WI - Board-designated Grant

$5,000 Luther Memorial Chapel, Shorewood, WI - International Student Ministry Children's Program

$3,500 All Peoples Gathering Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Boiler Pipe Project

$1,000 Redeemer Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Change or Die Honorarium

$1,000 Kingdom Workers, Wauwatosa, WI - Change or Die Honorarium

$1,000 First Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cedarburg, WI - Change or Die Honorarium

$1,000 Glocal Mission, Spring, TX - Change or Die Honorarium

$1,000 NovusWay, Inc., Arden, NC - Change or Die Honorarium

$1,370.001 • Supporting Bible-based Human Care and Youth Development Programs

$110,000 Cross Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Bread of Healing Empowerment Ministry

$100,000 Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI - Lutheran Food Pantry Support

$60,000 Milwaukee Community Business Collaborative, Inc., Milwaukee, WI - Milwaukee JobsWork Capacity Building

$53,000 ELCA Outreach Center, Kenosha, WI - Serving People Living in Poverty

$50,000 Project Return, Milwaukee, WI - Ex-Offender Employment Program

$48,801 Our Savior Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Central City Churches Outreach Ministry

$48,750 Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI - Lutheran Food Pantry Support

$35,000 Emaus Lutheran Church, Racine, WI - Racine Neighborhood Summer Camps

$35,000 Serenity Inns, Inc., Milwaukee, WI - Operating Support

$27,700 Hephatha Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Neighborhood Minister

$25,000 New Threads of Hope, Inc., Wauwatosa, WI - New Threads of Hope Lutheran Outreach

$25,000 Emaus Lutheran Church, Racine, WI - After School Youth Programs

$20,000 Lakeview Lutheran Church, Madison, WI - Kitchen Upgrade to Better Serve Community

$19,000 Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan, Inc., Milwaukee, WI - Off the Square Club Shower Project

$19,000 Incarnation Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Camp Hope Summer Youth Program

$18,000 Outreach for Hope, Inc., Milwaukee, WI - Board-designated Grants

$17,500 Cross Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Summer and Year-round Youth Program

$17,200 Redeemer Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Noon Run Meal

$17,000 Faith/Santa Fe Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Neighborhood Minister

$17,000 Urban Roots, Inc., Milwaukee, WI - Camp Umoja Summer Youth Program

$16,000 All Peoples Gathering Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Neighborhood Minister

$16,000 Emaus Lutheran Church, Racine, WI - Neighborhood Minister

$16,000 Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Neighborhood Minister

$15,000 The Table Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Seeds, Soil, and Soul Summer Youth Program

$15,000 Milwaukee Community Business Collaborative, Inc., Milwaukee, WI - Board-designated Grant

Supporting Bible-based Human Care and Youth Development Programs (continued)

$15,000 Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Wauwatosa, WI - Recovery Ministry

$13,700 Ascension Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Camp Hope Summer Youth Program

$12,400 Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Washington, D.C. - Volunteer Housing

$10,500 Lutheran Church of the Reformation, Milwaukee, WI - Summer and Year-round Youth Programs

$10,000 Kingdom Workers, Wauwatosa, WI - Wellness Circles

$10,000 All Peoples Gathering Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Boiler Replacement

$10,000 Serenity Inns, Inc., Milwaukee, WI - Board-designated Grant

$10,000 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Chicago, IL - Board-designated Grants

$10,000 Benediction Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Adult Education Outreach

$8,500 Incarnation Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Neighborhood Minister

$8,500 Faith/Santa Fe Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Summer and Year-Round Youth Programs

$8,000 Cross Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Board-designated Grant

$6,800 Our Savior Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Summer Youth Program

$3,000 St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Summer Youth Program

$3,000 Incarnation Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Year-round Youth Program

$2,650 Incarnation Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Parish Nurse Ministry

$2,000 The Table Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI - Board-designated Grant

$1,000 Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan, Inc., Milwaukee, WI - Board-designated Grant

$1,093,500 • Breaking the Cycle of Poverty through High Performing Faith-based Education

$200,000 Hope Christian Schools, Inc., Milwaukee, WI - Development of Strong Urban High School

$150,000 Center for Urban Teaching, Milwaukee, WI - Urban Teacher Training Program

$50,000 Milwaukee Lutheran High School, Milwaukee, WI - Vocational Career Preparatory Program

$50,000 Wisconsin Lutheran Child & Family Services, Germantown, WI - Student Assistant for School Counseling

$45,500 The Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee, West Allis, WI - Milwaukee Lutheran High School Tuition Assistance

$45,000 Lutheran Special School & Education Services, Milwaukee, WI - Mosaics Curriculum

$40,000 Wisconsin Lutheran High School Conference, Milwaukee, WI - Tuition Assistance

$25,000 Hope Christian Schools, Inc., Waukesha, WI - Tuition Assistance

$25,000 Mt. Lebanon Lutheran School, Milwaukee, WI - College Readiness Curriculum

$20,000 The Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee, West Allis, WI - Board-designated Grants

$18,000 Pathways Milwaukee, Inc., Wauwatosa, WI - College Readiness Program for Urban Youth

$12,000 Racine Lutheran High School, Racine, WI - Tuition Assistance

$12,000 Trinity Evangelical Lutheran of Freistadt, Mequon, WI - Karenni Mission for Refugees from Myanmar

$10,500 Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School, Madison, WI - Preschool/Day Care Support

$10,000 The Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee, West Allis, WI - Martin Luther High School Tuition Assistance

$10,000 Racine Lutheran High School, Racine, WI - Board-designated Grant

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty through High Performing Faith-based Education (continued)

$9,200 Shoreland Lutheran High School, Somers, WI - Tuition Assistance

$5,000 Sheboygan Lutheran High School, Sheboygan, WI - Tuition Assistance

$5,000 Star of Bethlehem Lutheran, New Berlin, WI - Board-designated Grant

$5,000 Wisconsin Lutheran High School Conference, Milwaukee, WI - Board-designated Grant

$3,300 Living Word Lutheran High School, Jackson, WI - Tuition Assistance

$3,000 St. John's Lutheran Church, Glendale, WI - SHARP Literacy Program

$12,420 • Foundation Governance

$8,000 Wisconsin Philanthropy Network, Brookfield, WI - Programming Support

$2,500 Exponent Philanthropy, Washington, D.C. - Membership Grant

$1,920 Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, Washington, D.C. - Membership Grant

Amount Paid In

Organization Name and Purpose Approved 2016 2017 2018

St. Marcus Lutheran Church - School Capital Campaign $500,000 $150,000 $150,000 $200,000

Wisconsin Lutheran High School Conference - Building Capital Campaign $500,000 $100,000 $100,000 -

Lutheran Church of the Reformation - Ministry Support $325,000 $115,000 $110,000 $100,000

Pastoral Leadership Institute - Pastoral Leadership Development $272,853 $101,201 $62,378 $2,757

Lutheran School of Theology - Chicago - Advancement Office Database $250,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin - Lutheran Food Pantry $240,000 $100,000 $140,000 -

Vibrant Faith Ministries - Pastoral Leadership Development $212,400 $86,400 $54,000 $14,400

Ascension Lutheran Church - Neighborhood Stabilization by Serving Women Impacted by Trafficking

$150,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000

Project Return (Holy Ground) - 53206 Youth Organizing Project $146,000 $42,500 $20,700 -

Schools That Can Milwaukee, Inc. - Support for Lutheran Schools $125,000 $40,000 $35,000 -

Serenity Inns, Inc. - Operating Support $85,000 $50,000 $35,000 -

Victory of the Lamb - Community Evangelism $75,000 $37,500 $37,500 -

ELCA South Central Synod - Latino Ministries for Growth and Evangelism $62,300 $24,740 $15,440 -

All Peoples Gathering Lutheran Church - Mission Start-up atHavenwoods Campus

$53,000 $19,235 $17,110 $16,655

Just One More Ministry - Capacity Building $52,400 $15,000 $18,700 $18,700

Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin - Lutheran Food Pantry $50,000 - $50,000 -

Chicken Coop Ministry - Mission Start-up Congregation $50,000 $20,000 $10,000 -

Divine Word Evangelical Lutheran Church - Mission Start-up Congregation $50,000 $20,000 $20,000 $10,000

ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod - Stewardship for All Seasons $50,000 $30,000 $20,000 -

ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod - Mission Start-up at Felmers Chaney Correctional Center

$50,000 $17,000 $16,500 $16,500

Emaus Lutheran Church - Start-up Congregation $50,000 $20,000 $20,000 $10,000

St. John Lutheran Church - Mission Start-up $50,000 $20,000 $10,000 -

The Table Lutheran - Start-up Congregation $50,000 $20,000 $20,000 $10,000

St. John's Lutheran Church - Community Ministry $45,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000

Crossways Lutheran Camping Ministries - Servant Leader Internship Program

$30,000 $15,000 $15,000 -

Crossways Lutheran Camping Ministries - SIMSA and SIMBA Camp Program

$23,000 $11,500 $11,500 -

Carthage College - Urban Teacher Preparation Program $15,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000

TOTALS $3,561,953 $1,220,076 $1,153,828 $564,012

Multi-Year Grants Approved, But Not Fully Paid

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in , I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me,

I was in prison and you came to visit me. . .

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:35-36, 40, NIV

As quoted in the last will and testament of A.F. Siebert

Current address:300 N. Corporate Drive, Suite 200

Brookfield, WI 53045

New address, July 2017:758 N. 27th Street

Milwaukee, WI 53208

(p) 262.754.9160 • (f) 262.754.9162(e) contactus@siebertfoundation.org

siebertfoundation.org

SAVE THE DATE!

Change or DieAnnual Conference

October 12, 2017Country Springs HotelPewaukee, Wisconsin

Cover photo of congregants at Capitol Drive Lutheran Church by Brian Lauttamus