THIRSTY 51 (Wagner / Laitinen / Zarling)

This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interviewed Pastor Mark Wagner, who is currently serving as the vacancy pastor at Water of Life. We discuss his various ministries before his retirement, and then spend time talking about the craft of preaching. 

Countless animals died under the priestly knife as generations of the faithful brought lamb after lamb to the temple. Over and over a substitute stood in the place of the sinner. We discussed Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God that John the Baptist points to in the desert in John 1:29-41. Then we discussed circumcision and its connection to baptism in Colossians 2:6-15. 

 Please like, comment, and share. Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life. 

THIRSTY 50 (Dobberstein / Laitinen / Zarling)

Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interviewed Pastor Donn Dobberstein, the director of our synod's Commission on Discipleship. We discussed the ministry of preparing resources, modules, blogs, and training for adults, college students, and teens. We also discussed his previous ministries in Kansas and Florida.

The first Sunday after the Epiphany is always the celebration of Jesus’ baptism. We examined Matthew 3:13-17, why Jesus was baptized, and what his baptism means for us. We also examined Acts 10:34-38 and Peter’s sermon at the home of Cornelius. We also discussed baptismal fonts, symbols of the Trinity in churches, and our most memorable baptisms.

THIRSTY 49 (Hutchinson / Laitinen / Zarling)

Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interviewed Ethan Hutchinson who teaches math and STEM at Shoreland Lutheran High School. Ethan has served in a number of different places, so we talk about the ministry of principals in Lutheran Elementary schools, the unique ministry of teaching at East Fork Lutheran High School, and getting students involved in robotics. Ethan is also a member of Water of Life.

We examined Matthew 2:13-23 and the flight into Egypt. We discuss how this section of Scripture helps us understand the nature of Jesus’ ministry, and also how this section of Scripture helps us understand the nature of the kingdom in which we are living and serving. We then study Galatians 4:4-7. St. Paul packs a lot into a few verses. We discuss why Jesus had to be born of a woman, born under law, what redemption is, and how important being adopted into God’s family is.

THIRSTY 48 - Christmas Eve Edition (Zarling / Laitinen)

With all due respect to the guests on our previous episodes, this latest episode was our best and most fun. This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interviewed their wives, Abbie Laitinen and Shelley Zarling. The ladies answered questions about raising all boys in the Laitinen family and all girls in the Zarling family; how to listen to the pastor when he’s your husband (and you might not be getting along with him so well that Sunday); and balancing ministry and family life.

Matthew describes Christmas from Joseph’s point of view. We heard that viewpoint the fourth Sunday in Advent. Luke describes Christmas from Mary’s point of view. We hear Luke’s viewpoint on Christmas Eve. John describes Christmas from God’s point of view. We hear that viewpoint on Christmas morning. We study the Christmas Gospel and Epistle of John 1:1-14 and Hebrews 1:1-9. Both Scripture readings answer the question: Why is it important that the Word became flesh and dwelled among us?

Please like, comment, and especially share. Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.

THIRSTY 47 (Peters / Laitinen / Zarling)

This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interviewed Pastor David Peters who serves a dual parish at Grace Lutheran Church in Kellogg, WI and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wabasha, MN. We talk about the movie “Grumpy Old Men” since it was set in Wabasha. Pastor Peters also served for over 2 years at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Racine alongside Pastor Zarling.

We examine Matthew 1:18-25 and how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. We discuss the names of “Jesus” and “Immanuel” that were given to Mary’s child, and why it is vital to our salvation that Jesus had a human mother and God as his Father. We also examine Romans 1:1-7 and why Paul uses the term “flesh” to refer to Christ’s state of humiliation and the term “spirit” to refer to Christ’s exaltation. We answer the question of why these are such important concepts to understand.

Please like, comment, and especially share. Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.

THIRSTY 44 (Borgward / Zarling / Laitinen)

This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interviewed Pastor John Borgwardt. Pastor Borgwardt has served the past 20 years at Living Word Lutheran Church in Waukesha, WI. Living Word has recently built a new church after worshiping in a school gym for 18 years. We discuss the intentionality of their location, their worship space, and their outreach efforts. We also talk about Pastor Borgwardt and Pastor Zarling playing soccer together at Northwestern College three decades ago.  
  
We examine what Jesus means when he says to be dressed and ready for service in Luke 12:35-40. The topic of suicide is introduced and we delve into how to be ready to minister to those who are struggling and suffering. We explore the marvelous grace of Jesus saying as the Master he will serve us as his servants. We also examine the confidence that Jesus gives us in his last words of Scripture in Revelation 22:6-13 and what effect these words should have on Christians and non-Christians. 
  
Please like, comment, and especially share. Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.

THIRSTY 43 (Schumann / Laitinen / Zarling)

This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interviewed Pastor Aaron Schumann who serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Pittsburg, Kansas. We discussed his time as a tutor at Luther Prep in Watertown, WI and mission work in the areas around Pittsburg.  We also learned about the proposals Jeremy and Aaron received on a mission trip as teenagers.  
  
We examine the destruction of the temple and the signs of the end times in Luke 21:5-19. We also examine the Great Day of Judgment and why justice is so important to Christians by looking at 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. We answer the question of how Christians can use these catastrophes in their outreach to an apathetic world. 
  
Please like, comment, and especially share. Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life. 

THIRSTY 42 (Sellnow / Laitinen / Zarling)

This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interviewed Pastor Jasper Sellnow who serves the multi-site congregation of St. Paul’s in Mauston and Adams Friendship. We discuss the unique blessings and challenges of multi-site ministry. We also discuss the reality of aliens … really. 
  
We examine Jesus’ words in Luke 6:20-23 of being blessed during poverty, hunger, weeping, and persecution. We also examine everything made new in Revelation 21:1-6. In the Gospel we see the contrast between the way Christians deal with adversity here on earth versus the way non-Christians deal with that same adversity. In the epistle we see the contrast between what Christians will receive as grace in glory versus what non-Christians will receive as the just punishment for their unbelief. 
  
Please like, comment, and especially share. Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.

THIRSTY 41 (Biebert / Laitinen / Zarling)

This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interviewed Pastor Nathaniel Biebert who serves the saints at Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. We discuss Pastor Biebert’s translation of Pastor Strieter stories that he has turned into a book. And also his passion for composer Michael Praetorius, which he has also turned into a book. 
  
We examine Jesus’ words to those who believed in him in John 8:31-36. We look at what it means when he says “the truth will set you free.” We also examine this freedom in St. Paul’s words in Galatians 5:1-6. Paul is reminding the us of the freedom we have in Christ and urges us not to lose our freedom. 
  
Please like, comment, and especially share. Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.

THIRSTY 40 (Strey / Zarling)

This week Pastor Zarling interviews Pastor Johnold Strey who serves at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in Hubertus, WI. We discuss his ministry of 15 years in California and how that differs from his ministry at Crown of Life. Pastor Strey is a self-described liturgy geek. We also discuss the book he authored entitled “Christian Worship: God Gives His Gospel Gifts.” 
  
We examine the rich young ruler who wished to eternal life in Luke 18:18-30. The young man thought he had kept God’s commandments. Jesus shows him he didn’t even keep the first commandment. We also examine aged St. John’s words of not loving the world or the things of the world in 1 John 2:15-17. 
  
Please like, comment, and especially share. Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.

THIRSTY 39 (Zarling / Laitinen / Ulhorn)

This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Pastor Wayne Uhlhorn who serves as a WELS Mission Counselor. We discuss his role as a mission counselor for congregations, pastors, and district mission boards. We also talk about his previous ministry as a pastor in North Dakota, Maryland, Colorado Springs, and Carlsbad. We review the WELS initiative of starting 100 new missions in 10 years. 
  
We examine Jesus’ parable of the unjust judge as Jesus teaches his disciples about prayer in Luke 18:1-8. We also examine the knowledge and confidence that are connected with prayer in 1 John 5:13-15. 

Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life. 

THIRSTY 38 (Zarling, Laitinen, Mueller)

Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interviewed Branden Mueller who teaches 7th grade at Wisconsin Lutheran School in Racine, WI. We discussed Branden’s ministry and what is unique and interesting about teaching in an urban setting. 
  
We examined leprosy, Jesus’ miraculous healing of the ten lepers, and the need for gratefulness as we discussed Luke 17:11-19. We also examined not being stingy with our financial gifts or material blessings as we serve the Lord in his Kingdom work with St. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:10-15). 
 
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life. 

THIRSTY 37 (Roekle, Laitinen, Zarling)

This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran School and Shoreland Lutheran High School, and current Seminary student Ben Roekle. We talk about classes at the Seminary and jobs students have outside of the classroom. We also discuss Ben’s heart transplant as a young child. 
  
We examine millstones and mustard seeds in Luke 17:1-10 and the reaction to persecution in 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,11-12. 
  
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.

THIRSTY 36 (Zarling / Laitinen)

This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling go old school with no guests. They talk about the WELS Youth Night they are working on with other congregations and the value of these youth activities across our church body. They also discuss Jesus’ story of the rich man and poor Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. They also apply the instructions and encouragement to persecuted Christians in Hebrews 13:1-6. 
  
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.

THIRSTY 35 (Zarling / Roekle / Laitinen)

This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Pastor John Roekle who serves at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Racine, WI. We discuss the shared ministry of First Evan and Water of Life churches as they have been jointly operating Wisconsin Lutheran School in Racine for almost 50 years. We also discuss the two versions of the beginning of Epiphany (now Water of Life/Pastor Zarling’s church) from First Evan over 90 years ago and the blessings that have come from that beginning.    
  
We study what it means to be lost and found in Jesus’ two parables in Luke 15:1-10. We also examine the rejoicing that happens in heaven when sinners repent and receive Christ’s blood-bough forgiveness. We also study how pointing out sin, calling to repentance, and announcing forgiveness is the highest calling of Christians in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11. 
  
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.

THIRSTY 34 (Horn / Laitinen / Zarling)

This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Pastor Paul Horn who serves as a home missionary in West Lafayette, IN. Pastor Horn followed Pastor Zarling at the mission church in Radcliff, KY. We discuss Pastor Horn’s ministry of serving a mission church in a store front and building a new church building, his campus ministry at Purdue University, and his work as a military contact pastor. 
  
We study Jesus’ difficult teaching in Luke 14:25-35 of Jesus calling for his followers to hate their family members, carry their crosses, count the cost of discipleship and remain salty in their faith. We also discuss St. Paul’s unique letter to Philemon to accept back his converted slave Onesimus and how appealing to Christian love is always more effective than an arbitrary demand. 
  
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life

THIRSTY 33 (Christie / Laitinen / Zarling)

This week Pastor Laitinen and Pastor Zarling interview Pastor Aaron Christie who serves as a professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. We spent a lot of time discussing his role as teaching homiletics to Seminary students. Homiletics is the craft of preaching. We examine what goes into the writing and preaching a Lutheran sermon. 
  
We study Jesus’ teaching on humility in Luke 14:1,7-14. Jesus used the parable of sitting at a wedding feast to teach a lesson on humility. We discussed how we might teach humility in the classroom to students in grade school, high school, or Seminary. We also study James’ teaching on the danger of favoritism in James 2:1-13. 
  
Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. Stay thirsty, my friends. Quench that thirst in the Water of Life.

WORSHIP TIMES - Racine Campus

Sundays at 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM

WORSHIP TIMES - Caledonia Campus

Sundays at 9:30 AM