Preparations:
 
I browse a newspaper ad from L & M Fleet Supply.  There's a Savage Rifle, with scope, advertised for $349.00.  I'm having issues with my old rifle, so I make the trek to Rhinelander.  I try out the advertised gun in the store.  But then I turn slightly and my eye is riveted on another Savage rifle:  the Savage Axis 2 Pro, camo stock, Cerakote finish, threaded barrel.  Right next to it are Iron Peak scopes, on sale.  My heart goes aflutter. It's like a Red-Rider Carbine Action 200 shot range rifle BB gun for 70 year-olds.  I buy it.  check
 
I head over to Jensen-Akins, Conover.  They have appliances on sale.  I purchase a garage ready 7 cubic foot chest freezer for my eagerly-anticipated venison.  Since my back is toast, I splurge and have them deliver it.  check
 
I've been invited to the Tieferts to scope out their land for hunting.  Jon is going to show me their deer feed lots.  I ask if I can bring my new Savage Axis 2 Pro, Camo stock, Cerakote finish, threaded barrel 30-06 rifle along to sight it in.  He says "Sure."  So we head down to the gun range first.  Like I kid I'm babbling on in excitement about my new rifle.  We set up for 50 yards to start.  I take my first shot with my brand-new rifle.  It's a kill shot, about 3 inches off-ish.  check
 
And I get scoped with that shot.  Just above my right eye.  I'm bleeding like a stuck pig.  Evelyn runs to get a box of tissues.  Jon packs up everything in the truck.  I grab my camo handkerchief, along with the tissues to try to stem the blood flow.  Next thing I'm in the truck.   Jon is redefining the posted speed limits as we rush to Howard Young emergency.  7 stitches later, I'm back at the Tieferts.  I still get the feed lot tour.  I have a devotion with them (this had been planned ahead).  I realize later that I conducted it with the bandages still on my forehead.  (Not a look pastors strive for.)  We enjoy a fantastic supper.  check
 
And I give thanks!  Had this accident happened when I was alone?  I'd have been in a world of hurt.  But my gracious Lord made sure I had good friends to help, just when I needed them.  How kind my Lord is!  How patient!  "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their hard work. If one of them falls, his companion can lift him up. Pity the person who falls and has no one else to lift him up."  (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)  check
 
After my embarrassing scoping senior moment, Tim Schumann mentions that his club, the Northwoods Wildlife and Wetlands Club, has a FREE sight-in day on Friday, November 21st.  I'm there at 8 AM.  Tom, 80+ years old, spends over an hour mentoring me on my new rifle and helping me to sight it in.  No more "scoping" incidents!  I head back to the clubhouse to enjoy a visit with Tim, a hot cup of coffee and a delicious doughnut.  check
 
And I give thanks as I drive back home!  To think how my Lord has knit my life-events together so seamlessly that I am blessed with this expert guidance, just when I needed it?   How awesome is that? "Olive oil and incense bring joy to a heart, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his sincere advice."  (Proverbs 27:9)
 
I arrive at the Luchterhand deer camp by 4 PM, November 21st.  We enjoy a fish fry at Little Rice.  We pack sandwiches for lunch the next day.  We go to bed early.  I sleep like a baby.  check
 
Deer Camp Day One:
 
4:30 AM opening day.  I've already been awake since 3:45. I enjoy breakfast at the Luchterhand castle. At 6 we set out for our hunting spots.  On Day #1, I'll be in a pop-up blind that Lyle set up earlier.  I get settled in the blind.  With my headlamp I look up and notice it's made by "Ameristep."  It their "Outhouse" model usable for "most seasons."  I think, "I sure hope so."  Then I turn off my headlamp and wait for light.  check
 
7:30 AM.  "Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."    Nothing moving.  No deer.  No gun-shots close by.  No birds making noises.  Not so much as a squirrel.  Then the skies begin to spit some sleet, and I button up the blind temporarily.  check
 
8:45 AM.  I break out my snacks.  I grab a small box of raisins.  I open the box and I begin to crunch on a raisin.  I wonder, "When did I buy these?"  I check the box.  "Best by…April 04."   "Huh."  I pull out my Swiss-army knife to pry apart the raisins that had cemented together inside the box in those 2 decades plus. "Still good."   check
 
And I give thanks.  Over 70+ years, my gracious Father has made sure that my family and I always had food on the table, usually in such abundance that we squirreled away the extras in our pantry. Has he also done that for you?  "The eyes of all look eagerly to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand, and you satisfy the desire of every living thing."  (Psalm 145:15-16) ü
 
12 Noon.  Crickets.  No deer.  No movement.  Time for a sandwich.  check
 
3:47 PM.  Still nothing.  Wait! What's that?  Just an oak-leaf fluttering.  Time for another box of raisins. check
 
4:30 PM.  It's time to head back to the Castle.  Chili supper.  So tasty!  check
 
6:00 PM.  The Badgers played Illinois.  The game's been recorded.  We watch part of the game.  It's been a long day.  Somebody fell asleep with the remote.  check
 
8:40 PM.  It's time to go to bed.  As I lay my head down on the pillow, I give thanks!  For a safe hunt on Day 1.  For the fresh, clean air of our Northwoods, for the beauty of the pine-studded forest and for good friends.  The words of the Psalm fill my mind and heart.  "One who lives in the shelter of the Most High will stay in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Surely he will rescue you from the fowler’s trap, from the destructive plague. With his feathers he will cover you, and under his wings you will find refuge."  (Psalm 91:1-4)  check
 
Deer Camp Day 2:
 
4:40 AM.  I slept in.  We enjoyed breakfast.  check
 
6:12 AM.  I'm back in the blind.  This time I got the Taj Mahal.  It's a bit warmer than yesterday.  check
 
7:45 AM.  "Not a creature was stirring."  It's even quieter than yesterday.  Yet I remain ever-vigilant.  I don't want to doze off like last year and miss a massive stag proudly striding right past the blind. check
 
8:47 AM.  Still nothing.  Crickets.  So I think of the family of Trinity getting ready for worship.  I pray for all of you, for safe worship, for a safe hunt, for some venison in the freezer.  And I begin my Sunday devotion.  Psalm 1.  I recite it from memory, in Hebrew.  "Ashre ha-ish asher lo halach. . ."   "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the advice of the wicked, who does not stand on the path with sinners, and who does not sit in a meeting with mockers."  But I confess, "How often have I been the one to walk with sinners, stand with sinners, sit with sinners?  How often have I wandered?  How often remained silent?"  And I give thanks!  For the Father who knows all about my failures and faults; for the Son who came to this earth because of my failures and faults (and yours), and for the Spirit who opened the eyes of my faith to see Jesus!  check
 
Will you pause, as you read this, and also give thanks for the Lord's indescribable gift?    check
 
9:10 AM.  The heavens open.  A ray of sunshine pierces the treetops and highlights the forest floor.  And I get the idea for this week's Wednesday Encouragement.  Hallelujah, Jesus!  I begin the outline in my head, while remaining ever-vigilant.  check
 
9:52 AM.  "Not a creature was stirring. . ."   check
 
10:48 AM. Time for a snack.  Another box of raisins.  Where's my pocket-knife?  check
 
1:30 PM.  It's time to call it a day. I head back to the Luchterhands for a Sunday chicken dinner and all the fix-in’s.  There will be strawberry-rhubarb pie, topped with ice cream, a bit later.  check
 
The Packers-Vikings game has been recorded.  I make snippy comments about the offense-play-calling, execution and Jordan Love.  But a win is a win, and it's special because it was over the Vikings!  check
 
And I give thanks.  For good friends who put up with me for a few days and graciously opened their home.  Their hospitality warms my heart, as it does the heart of our Lord.  On the Judgment Day, he will point to hospitality as a mark of saving faith!  “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me " (Matthew 25:34-35)  check
 
Deer Camp Day 3:
 
4:40 AM.  This is the day!  I can feel it in my bones.  I know there's a buck parked out right below the blind, held on an invisible rope by one of the Lord's angels.  check
 
6:10 AM.  I'm back in the blind.  There's a deer waiting for me.  I know it.  check
 
7:50 AM.  "Not a creature was stirring."  Really?  check
 
8:53 AM   A nuthatch takes pity on me and lands on a tree close to the blind.  He does his little upside-down backwards dance.  check
 
9:58 AM.  Crickets.  check
 
10:55 AM.  I'm going to wrap up this hunt at 11.  Will I see a deer in these last minutes, even if it's a "doe, a deer, a female deer," that I see because of a "Ray, a drop of golden sun!"  check
 
11:00 AM   I pack up my gear, close up the deer blind, head back to the Luchterhands, visit for a few minutes with Lyle, change clothes, and get back on the road.  check
 
And I give thanks.  For the blessings of these quiet days.  For time away from screens and internet.  For nuthatches, black and red squirrels, and moss on the wrong side of the tree.  For my gracious Lord who allows me this special place to hunt, and provides me the means to buy all my gear.  With the Psalmist I shout,
 
"You visit the earth and water it. You make it very rich. God’s stream is filled with water. You provide grain for them, just as you planned. You drench the land’s furrows. You flatten its plowed ground. You soften it with showers. You bless its crops. You crown the year with your goodness. The tracks made by your carts overflow with riches."  (Psalm 65:9-11)   check
 
Deer Camp:  A Postlude, November 25th
 
9:28 AM.  I'm off to Pick 'n Save.  Prime Rib is on sale.  I have plenty of room in my new freezer.  check
 
Privileged to serve,
​Rev. Glenn Schwanke

Seven minutes. 420 seconds. That’s all the time I had to share God’s Word. Seven minutes. Would it make an impact? Did it?
 
Last Friday morning, I had the privilege of leading chapel at Northland Lutheran High School in Kronenwetter. I love these opportunities (preached more than a dozen times at Arizona Lutheran Academy in Phoenix when I lived there), because I love high school students. They are a unique audience with unique perspectives. They are filled with hopes and dreams and anxieties and uncertainties. They are teenagers – half child and half adult. In short, they are a challenge. And these precious souls need God’s Word and the assurance of God’s love.
 
Just after 9 AM, students and faculty began walking into the gymnasium, sitting on a set of bleachers in front of which a makeshift worship space had been arranged: altar, podium, piano. At 9:09 AM, the buzzer sounded, indicating the beginning of the 15 minute allotment of time for chapel.
 
Campus Pastor Jeff Grundmeier introduced me as having come “all the way from Minocqua.” There were some opening liturgical responses and then a new song from our new hymnal, “Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near.” I love this hymn, and I love the fact that the first verse was sung by a quintet of boys, two of whom are Trinity members (Thank you, Jadyn and Max!).
 
An aside. Five years ago, Trinity had zero students attending Northland. It had been years since any students from Trinity attended Northland Lutheran. But four years ago, one student insisted on enrolling (Madisyn!) and that opened the doors to more teens from Trinity. Today there are six former Trinity students currently enrolled. Northland currently serves more than 120 students and is growing!
 
Finally, the time for Scripture reading and devotion. Seven minutes. 420 seconds. That’s the allotment given. Depending on how quickly I speak, that’s time for around 800 words. Any preacher will tell you that it is easier to craft a 20 minute message than a crisp, concise 7 minute message. No wasted words. No meandering. No windy remembrances will work under such strict timing.
 
What to say? Sin and grace, Law and Gospel were shared in the context of worries and anxieties common to teens as they navigate through the uncertainty of so much of life. No need to worry, Jesus says. Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Also a call to action from Jesus: “(This will) be your opportunity to testify…I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict...Not a hair of your head will perish…By patient endurance you will gain your lives.” (Luke 21:13, 15, 18,19) Then, a closing prayer and blessing. And done.
 
Seven minutes. 420 seconds. That’s all the time I had to share God’s Word. Seven minutes. Would it make an impact? Did it? It’s God’s Word – of course it had an impact! To be allowed the privilege to serve in this way fills me with gratitude.
 
Driving home (1 hour and 20 minutes) I receive word that my son Andrew (who, ironically, lives in Weston, not far from Northland) caught a musky in the Minocqua area on this brisk November morning. Happy for him, and hoping I might have similar success in the afternoon. I did not, but enjoyed the company and God’s creation immensely, reflecting on the morning’s chapel service with the Lord’s promise echoing in my ears: “(My word) will not return to me empty. Rather, it will accomplish whatever I please, and it will succeed in the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
 
To God alone be the glory!
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand

The email slipped silently into my inbox on June 27th.  Two days after my 70th birthday.  I missed it at first.  Then I stared at it.  I was convinced it was a mistake.  Why?  I'll get to that.
 
The email began,
 
"Dear Pastor Schwanke,
 
Greetings in the name of our living Savior! I pray this finds you and your family well.

I'm writing to you as the part-time administrator for the Pastor Partners Mentoring Program. We are asking and inviting you to serve as a mentor in your area, Caleb Raasch, a 2025 Seminary graduate, was assigned to St. Paul in Hurley, Zion in Mercer, and Bethany in Bruce Crossing. Confident in the Gospel's power and the gifts God has given you, and also in consultation with the Conference of Presidents, the Pastor Partners Mentoring Leadership Team is asking you to serve as the mentor for this new graduate. President Mark Schroeder as well as your District President, Joel Zank, recommend you to serve at this time and in this way."  (bold type as in original)

The email was sent by the Pastor Partner Part-time Administrator, Prof. John Brenner of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.  And I knew it had to be a mistake.  I thought, "Do they realize how old I am?  Have they checked insurance actuarial tables."   (I did ask them that.)  "This is a three-year call to serve!"
  
I figured this email had to be a mistake, because I already knew about the program.  Pastor Partner Mentoring began 15 years ago as a pilot program, and at that time I had been called to serve as a mentor --for 2 seminary graduates in our Northern Wisconsin District.  Already then, I was--by far--the oldest mentor in the system!  And did I mention that was 15 years ago?!  The ideal-- as the program directors explained to us way back then--was for mentors to be men who had been out in the ministry 10 to 15 years, so 35 to 40 years old.  Old enough to be experienced in pastoral ministry, but not so old as to be ossified in ministry.  A good partner for a brand-new seminary graduate.  But I was already 55. 

And now I was being asked to go back into the Mentor Program at the age of 70?  When I'm supposed to be sitting in a rocking chair on my veranda watching the clouds, listening to the sweet little birdies sing, while leisurely sipping a German beverage?  How could this be?

So I asked some hard questions about the reasons I was called to do this.  I listened carefully.  And after just two days of deliberation, I agreed to serve.  In part, because I don't want to be ossified in ministry.  There is always something new to learn, and ways to grow in our Christian walk of faith.  I thought I might learn a lot more from Caleb Raasch than he will ever learn from me.

Then, too, I realized my gracious Lord had prepared me for this step of service.  He did that rhrough my previous mentoring experience in the Pastor Partner program (it went well), but also by blessing me with almost 26 years of serving as a shepherd/mentor for college-age students in WELS Campus Ministry at Michigan Tech.  And then there was also this:  my part-time status at Trinity allows for more flexibility in my schedule for this added limited divine call.

So, back in September, I attended a refresher course in Pastor Partner Mentoring held at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.  And I've kept up regular contact with Caleb via phone calls, texts, and emails, as well as in-person visits. I was able to attend Caleb's ordination at St. Paul, Hurley on July 13th.  Since then I've made monthly trips to the Raasch home up in Wakefield.  I've gotten to know not just Caleb, but his wife, Dana, and also their 1-year old daughter, Irene. 

By now, however, you may be bursting at the seams with this important question, "What exactly is a Pastor Partner Mentor supposed to do?" Quick answer?  "Mentor."   (Shall I pause there for dramatic effect?)  To be more specific, my role as a mentor involves being a sounding board, or a dumping ground if needed.  My goal is to help Caleb, as well as his family, focus on the privileges and blessings of pastoral ministry. I often ask, "What's been going well?" 

I am learning a lot, advising a little, and choosing my advice carefully. I joke with Caleb that I am the only WELS Methuselah Mentor.  But that's okay with Caleb, his family, and me, because our Lord observes, "Isn’t it true that wisdom is found among the aged and understanding among those who have had a long life?"  (Job 12:12) 

I pray this Pastor Partner Mentor Program will be a blessing for Caleb and all the other graduates who are taking their first pastoral steps alongside their mentors, under the umbrella of the Shepherd's grace. 

Final thought:  Is there someone in your life who would be blessed by a faithful Christian mentor?  And could that mentor be you-no matter your age?  You, a dedicated believer who is willing to take a young Christian under your wing to help them navigate the challenges of life?  Always pointing them back to their precious Savior?   After all, we don't need a formal Synodical program to take to heart the Apostle Paul's divinely-inspired advice. 

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you know how you are to answer each person."  (Colossians 4:6) 

 Privileged to serve, with a pinch of salt,
​Rev. Glenn Schwanke

If you haven’t read the “Wednesday Encouragement” (posted on 10/22/25) by Pastor Schwanke entitled, “Worry Fear Solution,” please do. If you’ve already read it once, read it again. Twice? Again. Three times? You get the point. The self-guided Bible study provided there is rich in encouragement for your heart and soul through the Word of God!
 
So, today in this space, the spiritual encouragement may be a bit on the lighter side, but still of great importance.
 
What is your “happy” place? Disneyland is the self-proclaimed “happiest place on earth.” I’ve been there several times with children and grandchildren. My very first visit to the House of Mouse was at his Florida address back in 1993. That was the summer before my wife and I became parents. Our visit coincided with Princess Diana’s visit to Disneyworld with her two sons – the paparazzi were in full force.
 
At “the happiest place on earth” there are moments of joy and happiness. Memories made are lasting though the actual happiness itself is fleeting. Have you spent time at a Disney property? The crying, the screaming, the temper tantrums, the sad faces, the despairing looks – and that’s just the adults in the place.
 
Earthly “happy places” for me include a bookstore, or just a book. Time with my dear bride of 38+ years. Time with my adult children and grandchildren. Time in the boat with family – panfishing with the kiddos and musky fishing with the adults. On one occasion toward the end of October, we didn’t get a fish in the boat, but we did meet the “Jaws” of a local lake. A trophy-size, reproduction-worthy musky swam into shaft of the trolling motor and then bounced against the front of the boat. Even with my hearing limitations, I heard that in the back of the boat. And felt the impact! Jaws, indeed.
 
Does God have anything to say about a happy place?
     “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the advice of the wicked, who does not stand on the path with sinners, and who does not sit in a meeting with mockers.
     But his delight is in the teaching of the Lord, and on his teaching he meditates day and night.
     He is like a tree planted beside streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and its leaves do not wither. Everything he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3)
 
The word translated “blessed” can also be translated “happy” but we’re talking about much more than happiness. The world’s version of happiness is fleeting, based on the moment, dependent on circumstance. Like a gift-card, a weekend away, a wallet-emptying vacation of any kind – these bring us happiness for a bit, but when they’re gone, happiness is gone, True joy/blessedness is deep rooted, long lasting, based on God’s Word and found only in Christ Jesus.
 
Look back at the picture that accompanies this article. The lush tree with many roots at a water’s edge. That’s you, planted by the streams of living water, the Word of God. Planted in the Word, you grow, you live, you thrive, and you remain close to the Savior who holds you in the palm of his hand. That’s lasting joy, not fleeting happiness; enduring delight, not momentary pleasure.
 
The happiest, most blessed place on earth is a heart touched by and filled with the Word of our loving, gracious God.
 
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand