Shepherd of the Bay History

Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church is the result of the 1988 merger of Trinity Lutheran Church , Ellison Bay and Zion Lutheran Church , Sister Bay. For many years the two congregations had shared a common pastor and ministry. In 1989 the congregation took on a new name Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church. The congregation is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The history of Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church follows.

1988
New names for the church were suggested and voted upon at a special meeting in May. A final ballot on the top five church names resulted in the majority of votes going to Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church. A new constitution and by-laws were also accepted unanimously with 115 votes cast.

On October 2 the congregation voted to call Pastor Bruce Foster from Lemmon, South Dakota. Pastor Foster and his family arrived on November 11.

The Church Council voted to establish a Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church Building Fund and a Scholarship Fund.

A special Council meeting on November 21 established that a long range plan be put in place to address the building of a new, single, full-activity building to replace the Ellison Bay and Sister Bay church buildings.

1989
It was decided that the new congregation would meet in Ellison Bay during the winter months.

Shepherd of the Bay participated in the community Vacation Bible School held at the First Baptist Church in Sister Bay. Adult education began in the fall, and there was interest in starting a men’s group.

The Third World Crafts group was growing and looking for more volunteers.

Jan Mielke designed the new church logo for Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church.

The Long Range Planning Committee met twice in 1989. They considered critical issues including whether or not to build a new church, and congregational resources and desires.

Finally, in 1989 the Council members concluded that figures were needed on the cost of land and a new building to present to the church members.

1990
A Scholarship/Loan Fund was established to provide scholarships and loans to Church members for higher education.

A “Table of the Lord” Communion-Passover Service was initiated, providing a special Maundy Thursday Holy Communion sit-down meal for parishioners.

Habitat for Humanity profited from a giant Christmas Card when members signed their names and made a contribution for the Christmas Season.

A special meeting of the two parishes was held at the Liberty Grove Town Hall to discuss the history of the churches, their present state, and their future with the Long-Range Planning Committee. No decisions were made.

Minister of Music Dottie Svien asked to be relieved of her duties as Senior Choir Director.

1991
A presentation by the Long-Range Planning Committee to the Council suggested that the parish develop a building program for a single site, a Building Committee, and a mission statement, and deliver this information to the congregation by May 31. The impetus to build a new church on a new site emerged from this meeting; the final decision was made at a later date. Erv Hitzeman agreed to head the Building Committee.

A sizeable monetary contribution was given the Church to purchase a particular piece of land on which the new church could be built. At approximately the same time, another piece of land was offered as a gift to the church as a future building site.

Gladys Austgen was hired to be the Senior Choir Director beginning September 1.

The stewardship program was conducted in conjunction with the “This My Church Shall Be” fund drive for the new church. All members of the congregation were visited and asked to pledge for the building program as well as for the general budget.

At a special meeting in May, the congregation voted to initiate a capital fund drive in November to construct a new church. They also voted to engage the Lutheran Laity Movement to supervise and direct the fund drive. At the September Council meeting, a “serious” inquiry had been made regarding the purchase of the Sister Bay Chapel. An appraisal of the church was ordered.

1992
At the annual congregational meeting in January, members voted to start a building project for a new church, to decide on a site for the church, and to sell both the Ellison Bay and Sister Bay chapels. The Sister Bay chapel was sold and the last service there was in April on Easter Sunday.

The vote to decide the location of the new church was taken on July 26. The two sites were identified as ‘north’ (Ellison Bay) and ‘south’ (Sister Bay). The results were 107 for the north site (donated by the Russell Hanson family) and 98 for the south site (designated land that would be purchased with a substantial gift from associate member Elsie Geiss). Architect Michael Kadow of Green Bay was selected to design the new church building.

1993
Gladys Austgen was hired as Music Director/Senior Choir Director following the resignation of Dottie Svien as Minister of Music. A Recognition Sunday for Dottie was held on January 10.

In April, the congregation authorized the Church Council to sign a contract to build a new church and take out a loan. Rudie Baack painted a watercolor of the new church which was then used to illustrate the new building in many ways, including post cards and the cover of the photo directory of church members.

A “Guide to Designated Giving” listing numerous items that would be needed in the new church was prepared and distributed to members. Members began to select gifts that they wanted to donate.

Gen Follingstad suggested establishing “service groups” in the congregation. Groups of men and women would select a month during which they would serve at church events such as coffee hours, funerals, banquets, etc. The Council approved this suggestion.

The Women of the ELCA published a new cookbook, A Flock of Good Recipes. A second edition was printed in 1994.

1994
The final worship service at the Ellison Bay Chapel was on March 6. The congregation celebrated the first worship service at the new Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church on March 13. The formal dedication took place on Palm Sunday, March 27 at 3 p.m. The worship service featured special music and the Rev. Robert Herder, Bishop of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin, who preached and led the formal dedication rite. Refreshments followed the service in the church fellowship hall.

The new church building comprised 10,000 square feet, situated on four acres of land just south of Ellison Bay on State Highway 42. The facility included a sanctuary that seated 220 people, a fellowship hall that seated 180, a church office, a lounge, a large kitchen, seven classrooms and a nursery. Jack Rosenquist designed and made the candle sticks and book stand on the altar. Curt Lindem designed and constructed all the altar furniture for the new church. He also designed the altar cross.

New church activities included the Helping Hands Group which sponsored baby showers for new moms, and LOGOS, a program for junior and senior high school students. A Monday Bible study was initiated, and AA began meeting at Shepherd of the Bay on Friday evenings.

In celebration of the first Christmas season in the new church, the senior choir and all Northern Door choirs combined their voices to present Handel’s Messiah.

Chancel in the new church, 1994.

1995
A new grand piano was purchased with donations, money from the sale of the Zion organ, and offerings from the performance of Messiah.

Ed and Margaret Johnson together with Paul and Jean Olson stenciled the fellowship hall, the kitchen and the men’s bathroom.

Missionaries Christa von Zychlin and her husband Wayne Nieminen and their family returned from their mission field after six years of service. Shepherd of the Bay then lent its support to Paul Hinckley, a missionary in Slovakia. The Ellison Bay Chapel was sold on December 4, 1995.

Judy Jackson, principle pianist for the Chicago Opera Theater and accompanist for opera singers in the Chicago area performed the night of November 12 to dedicate the new grand piano. A free-will offering was donated to Jenny Austgen toward her mission work in Japan.

1996
Two lots adjoining the former Ellison Bay Chapel were sold.

The new supplemental hymnal, With One Voice, was introduced in September worship services.

Church pews were decorated with the many quilts made by the Quilting Group for Lutheran World Relief.

Alette C. Varenick named Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church as the beneficiary of a Charitable Remainder Unitrust and Scholarship Fund.

1997
A handbell choir was organized at Shepherd of the Bay in January

Mission 2000 began. This three-year pledge drive would end at the year 2000 and significantly reduce the mortgage on the new church.

The first Northern Door Community Thanksgiving Dinner was held at Shepherd of the Bay November 27. Jane Burress and Eloise Lindem served as chairpersons of the event.

The Social Ministries Committee sponsored two families at Reformation Lutheran Church in Milwaukee and contributed food and gift certificates for several needy families in Door County.

1998
Cottage meetings were held to enable members to get better acquainted and to discuss their lives together in a growing congregation.

A contemporary music worship service using the music of John Ylvisaker was introduced.

Several decorative, artistic elements were added to the new church. Mary Jo Scandin was commissioned to create batik wall hangings for the season of Epiphany, Don Howard created and donated a baptismal banner, and Gretchen Klug designed and painted the Noah’s Ark mural in the nursery.

Pastor Bruce and Angela Foster made an offer to purchase the Church parsonage. The sale was approved by the congregation on April 26.

A dinner was held in November to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Pastor Foster and Angela’s ministry at Shepherd of the Bay.

1999

Jane Burress was called by the Church Council to be the first Director of Youth Ministry.

Carl and Judy Jackson presented the Church with a grand piano.

The congregation approved the building of a bell tower, porte-cochère, and the paving of the parking lot.

The decision was made by the congregation to support the work of missionary David Lawrence Coe serving in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa.

A Church Library was established in the fellowship hall.

A digital carillon was purchased for the bell tower.

2000
The Church Council voted to establish an organ fund.

Membership was growing. The average Sunday attendance in 1994 was 147, but by 2000 the number had risen to 200.

A Good Friday Community Service was held at Shepherd of the Bay and featured the massed choirs of Northern Door County churches.

A generous gift from a summer visitor enabled the church to purchase a 15-passenger van to be used for many church-related activities.

The new youth tone chime choir participated in the All Saints Day worship service.

2001

The church bell-tower and porte-cochère were completed in 2001.

The Church office was renovated in large part with a generous donation from a Church family.

The Zion Church bell was permanently displayed in a wooden structure on the Church property.

Wonderful Wednesday’s and Summer Day Camp began for children ages three through the fifth grade.

An organ committee was organized to explore many kinds of organs available in preparation for the selection of a church new organ.

2002
Shepherd of the Bay began a parish care ministry called Health and Wellness. It included professionals in parish nursing and nutritional counseling.

A Stephen Ministry was instituted when a member of the congregation offered to underwrite the cost of the entire program. Ten members of Shepherd of the Bay received training as Christian care-givers and became certified Stephen Ministers.

After an extensive study of many instruments, the Organ Committee recommended purchasing a pipe organ from Dobson Organ Builders of Lake City, Iowa.

Jan and Bruce Mielke designed the first Web site for Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church. Information about the church can be accessed on-line at www.shepherdofthebay.org

The Church Council agreed to house and be responsible for the Browning Steinway concert grand piano if the Peninsula Music Festival staff would allow the Church to use the piano for worship and special concerts.

A special meeting of the congregation was called on September 8 to vote on two resolutions. They were: 1. To have the recommended pipe organ built for the church; and 2. To authorize the council to secure drawings and bids to expand the east wing of the sanctuary. At the meeting, a motion from the floor changed the proposal for expansion to include both the west and east wings of the sanctuary, and to increase the size of the building to include additional needed space on the east side of the building. The motion passed. The Church Council later moved (October 29, 2002) to retain the architectural firm Somerville, Inc. with Mike Kadow as lead architect.

2003
The Women of the ELCA published a new cookbook, A Harvest of Good Recipes. The proceeds from sales would be used to benefit mission projects.

Members of the congregation got their first look at drawings of the new Dobson Opus 79 Pipe Organ and its specifications when it was presented on the church Web site.

Bonnie Hanson (Mrs. Jon Hanson), was hired as the new Sunday School Coordinator.

A defibrillator was purchased for the church, and northern Door County paramedics trained volunteers in its use.

At a special congregational meeting, members approved the building expansion project and authorized a major fund appeal to pay for the expansion and to enter into a contract with a builder.

Memory Meadow, a wildflower garden, was created by Don Pardonner and his wife Judy Reninger in memory of Don’s mother.

Ground was broken for the Church expansion on November 2.

Wednesday Praise & Subs, a contemporary worship service, was initiated as a family worship night.

2004
Worship services were moved into the Church fellowship hall as construction of the expanded sanctuary continued.

The Church Council agreed to sponsor Esdras Krebsky and his family, who are missionaries in Brazil for the Latin America Mission.

Benevolences given in 2004 totaled $72,238 and were distributed in Door County, the state of Wisconsin, and world wide.

Parishioners moved into the expanded sanctuary on August 15, although some work remained to be finished.

At a special congregational meeting held on August 22, members approved long-term financing of the expansion project and organ purchase through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

On September 12, over 400 guests filled the new sanctuary to hear Carl and Judy Jackson perform a two piano concert for the benefit of the new organ. The new pipe organ was delivered on Tuesday October 5. Forty members volunteered to help the delivery men move hundreds of components into the church.

Although the new organ had not been fully balanced for sound, Music Director Gladys Austgen played the organ publicly for the first time, accompanying the final hymn on Sunday, October 24.

The expansion of the church sanctuary and building increased church seating to 420 and provided additional rest rooms, new office and storage space, and a new, all-purpose room.

Gretchen Klug designed four new Advent banners and matching altar paraments.

The rededication of the expanded church sanctuary and building was held on Sunday December 5, 2004. The new Dobson Pipe Organ was featured in the service, but it will be officially dedicated in 2005. Claire Baack and Gen Follingstad made a new altar cloth and chalice veil for the church in commemoration of the rededication. Each piece is decorated in a style of Norwegian embroidery known as hardanger.

The church after the expansion project was completed in 2004.

Hardanger Chalice Veil

The new organ 2004

Enlarged chancel area at Christmas, 2004.

2005
Shepherd of the Bay member Dr. Naomi Rowley, Principal Organist at First United Methodist Church in Appleton and organ teacher at the Lawrence Academy of Music, conducted Pipe Organ Discovery Workshops for middle and high school youth and adults. Participants experienced hands-on opportunities and learned about the instrument from inside the organ case.

The Sunday School children received a plaque in recognition and gratitude for their fundraising work which resulted in a $6000 donation to support the work of the International Heifer Foundation.

Gary and Cheryl Doudna established two new choirs for young singers. Children in preschool through 2nd grade make up the Children's Choir and students in 3rd through 8th grade make up the Youth Choir.

Shepherd of the Bay dedicated its new pipe organ June 26 with a celebration in song led by Dr. John Ferguson,, internationally known organist, composer, and conductor of the St. Olaf Cantorei. The musical celebration included the chancel choir, bells, and piano with solo organ improvisations amplified through readings from scripture, reflections, and prayer.

Hundreds of organ music lovers attended the Erik Wm. Suter Organ Dedication Concert on August 17. Suter, who is Organist and Associate Director of Music at Washington National Cathedral, concluded the dedicatory events for the new Dobson Pipe Organ with a concert of solo organ music. It was standing room only for this joyous and exciting concert. A special reception followed in the Fellowship Hall.

2006
The Health and Wellness Ministry of Shepherd of the Bay focused on “Healing the Body, Mind and Spirit” following the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s adoption of the social statement “Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor”. Several programs were presented from a Christian perspective and included Community Health Information.

A Contemporary Worship Service began with contemporary music being led by the Praise Worship team, modeled after the second service. Included in the service are the traditional Lutheran elements of assigned lessons, and weekly communion set with high-energy music in contemporary musical styles.

The Youth and Family Ministry invited ‘girls’ of all ages to participate in an Afternoon Tea with their favorite doll. The proceeds from this special event enabled the youth to create many blankets for “Blanketing the World for Jesus,” the children’s summer mission project.

The Education Committee at Shepherd of the Bay announced the hiring of a Nursery Coordinator during the second service.

The Friends in Faith Program continued after a successful first year. The program encourages adult and youth in the congregation to connect on a weekly basis.

Summer Adult Education was provided by Angela Foster and Pastor Bruce Foster through their Bible classes and two major new adult education classes called, Four Modern Ethical Theories and Unto Life Everlasting.

Special summer musical events included a duet recital with Pamela Williams and Robin Wiper, and two organ concerts presented by Dr. Laura Ellis, University of Florida, and Bruce Bengston, Director of Music and Organist at Luther Memorial Church in Madison.

The stewardship campaign and program, “Building for the Future”, invited Shepherd of the Bay members to gather in small-group home meetings rather than having a banquet to present ideas and challenges in the church future.

The children of Shepherd of the Bay and First Baptist Church presented a musical entitled, “King of the Jungle”. Proceeds from donations were given to Habitat for Humanity in Door County.

Eight high school youth and three adults attended the ELCA National Youth Gathering in San Antonio, Texas.

The Shepherd of the Bay congregation approved the purchase of the new Lutheran hymnal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship.

Performing on the nine-foot Steinway and Baldwin pianos, Judy and Carl Jackson presented a benefit concert in September. Proceeds from the concert were given to The Samaritan Fund to assist members of our community who are in need of help.

Steve Hall, international Steinway artist, presented a concert to benefit the Door County Gulf Coast Relief volunteers.

2007
Shepherd of the Bay joined with the Peninsula Art School to create soup bowls to be sold to benefit Feed My People. A total of $3400 was raised.

Members agreed to give $5000 to support Word Made Flesh, a mission outreach program in Sierra Leone.

The new Evangelical Lutheran Worship ‘cranberry’ hymnals replaced the LBW and WOV hymn books. The dedication was February 11.

World Vision reported that the SOTB Youth Group has raised a total of $22,911.88 for world hunger since they began to participate in the 30-Hour Famine.

Three Sunday afternoon Lenten concerts were presented by Alysanne Burkhardt, Naomi and Gordon Rowley and Judith and Carl Jackson.

The “Quilt Mission Project” expanded their activities to include other Lutheran World Relief needs such as baby quilts, lap robes, layettes and school bags and supplies.

Seven young people were confirmed on Sunday May 6.

Lyric Opera singers Michele Cooper and Pamela Williams and clarinetist David Bell joined Judy Jackson in a May concert of Schubert and Schuman songs and duets.

Summer music programs included organ concerts by Stephen Alltop, Director of Music at Northwestern University, and Paul Jacobs of the Juilliard School of Music. Judy and Carl Jackson played a two-piano benefit concert to fund Kaija Johnson's traveling expenses and cost of her art activities at the Hogar Dona Chucha Orphanage in the Dominican Republic.

The congregation of SOTB created an Endowment Fund to assist members of the congregation in their giving by providing a place where they could contribute their assets and know that their gifts would benefit the ministries of the congregation in perpetuity.

Naomi Rowley joined the music staff of Shepherd of the Bay as Principal Organist in October, 2007. Later in October, Naomi presented an organ recital assisted by Nancy Reichmann, oboist from Green Bay.

SOTB purchased an 11-passenger, wheelchair accessible van with the assistance of a generous donation by church member Marvin Gattie.

The Kopseker Foundation awarded Shepherd of the Bay a grant for the Parish nurse program.

2008
Shepherd of the Bay became part of what is now known as being “green” by offering the monthly newsletter and general mailings sent to members and friends of the congregation by email.

Three Sunday afternoon musicales were presented during Lent by SOTB musicians, Gladys Austgen and the Sanctuary and Handbell Choirs, Naomi and Gordon Rowley, Alysanne Burkhardt, and Judy and Carl Jackson.

The Health and Wellness Ministry presented three winter programs with the focus on diabetes.

The Endowment Committee of SOTB presented a “Will and End of Life Seminar for Families with Children and Those who Love Them” to encourage all members of the congregation to have a plan in place for their families in the event of their death.

Over $4000 was raised by the youth who participated in the 30-hour famine for World Hunger.

May, June and August program featured guest musicians. Michele Cooper, Pamela Williams and John Concepcion of the Lyric Opera in Chicago, presented an evening vocal concert and combined their voices with the Sanctuary Choir in a presentation of J.S. Bach’s Cantata No. 78 at the Sunday worship service. Composer, organist and conductor David Cherwien lead a hymn fest involving the Sanctuary Choir, and organist Bradley Hunter Welch, of Dallas, TX presented a concert of solo organ music.

News came from Kaija Johnson in Santo Domingo where she is working with children in an orphanage. She was especially happy with how the girls enjoyed the camera project. We also heard from Martha Aurelius who worked with children in Fatick, Senegal for 4 months. Martha is particularly interested in trying to help supply books for their school.

A new church photo directory was completed.

The Quilting Group made 12 large quilts and 5 baby quilts for Operation Snuggly, and 32 quilts and 12 midwife kits that were donated to Lutheran World Relief.

Joanna Foster launched a bread sale to earn enough money to pay for her air fare and health insurance when she traveled to Kenya to serve with the Lutheran Church.

The Shepherd of the Bay Senior High Youth backpacked for one week in the Porcupine Mountains of the U.P. hiking 22 miles.

Dr. Myron Marlett, a urologist and Pat Marlett, a pharmacist, traveled to Tanzania to volunteer at the Selian Lutheran Hospital for 5 weeks beginning in October. The area served by the hospital, is inhabited by people of the Maasai and Waarusha tribes.

The SOTB Endowment Fund received its first major gift from George Lings. He has designated the Youth Ministry, the Parish Nurse Program and Home Missions to share in his gift.

The 12th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner was held at Shepherd of the Bay following a service of Thanksgiving.

2009
Included in the annual meeting was Pastor’s letter to the congregation with thoughts about the condition of our nation and the world in difficult times such as in 2008. He cautioned the congregation not to be fearful and abandon the church’s mission.

New photo directories were distributed.

Naomi Rowley, Cheryl Doudna and Gladys Austgen organized workshops to provide a musical experience for youth to discover and explore how the pipe organ differs from the piano.

Joanna Foster reported from her new location in central Africa. She is now working as a communications assistant for Lutheran World Federation, Burundi.

Lenten musicales were presented by Naomi Rowley, Dennis Lonstine, the Handbell and Sanctuary Choirs, and Carl and Judy Jackson.

A special congregational tribute and recognition of the work that office secretary, Bonnie Hanson has done for many years, was presented in the fellowship hall.

Artist, Judi Nelson, the 30 Hour Famine group, the children of the Sunday School, and Jane Burress painted a wonderful mural upstairs called, “Moses Parting the Sea.”

Dan Grantham and the Electric Jazz Orchestra, Steel Drum Band and String Ensemble from The Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy presented a Saturday Big Band program and participated in the Sunday worship service. This was the Band's third visit to SOTB.

Pastor Foster offered three summer classes: “The Combustible Mixture-Religion and Politics,” “Exploring the Shack,” and “How to be a Lutheran Without Really Trying.”

Pastor Foster challenged himself and the congregation to earn funds for Cami Siegler and her Christian work in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The challenge involved losing weight and raising dollars to help pay for a building in the poverty-stricken section called Kroo Bay where there is a high incidence of child malnutrition. Over $7000 was raised.

Education Coordinator, Bonnie Hanson, retired from her position. Carol Ash took over the duties of Education Coordinator.

Shepherd of the Bay hosted Phetsamone Vannavog, the youth and the adults from sister church, Saint Paul’s in Milwaukee.

SOTB joined other northern Door churches in the “Bridges” program befriending international students who are working in Door County during the summer.

Three summer concerts featured Ryan Anthony, trumpeter and Gary Beard, organist, Daniel Sullivan, organist of the Juilliard School, and Daniel Sullivan, organist, who is a native of Northeast Wisconsin.

Marlene Grow and Roberta Kutlik volunteered to become coordinators for funeral luncheons following the retirement of Bunny Sheenan who held this job for many years.

Playing on two nine-foot grand pianos, Judy and Carl Jackson presented musical offerings as a tribute to this year’s beneficiary, Esdras Krebsky, missionary in Brazil.

Shepherd of the Bay continued hosting a Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Volunteers from several northern Door churches provided a complete turkey dinner with the help of numerous contributors. Monetary donations, following expenses, were donated to Katie’s Fund at the Door County Memorial Hospital.

The congregation and community enjoyed a special fall concert featuring Naomi Rowley, organist and Janet Bond Sutter, violinist with the Peninsula Music Festival and the Green Bay Symphony.

The annual WELCA Christmas Luncheon paid tribute to Christmas Carols Around the World. Pat Skogsbakken and Carole Bergner coordinated the event.

Pastors that served Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church

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