Christ In All Things
Christ In All Things is a Christian podcast hosted by pastors Lance O'Donnell and Jason Schockman. The show focuses on the everyday stories of ordinary people and how faith and the Gospel intersect with their lives. The hosts aim to listen to the fascinating narratives that are often overlooked, while taking God seriously but not themselves too seriously. With humor, honesty, and occasional bleeped moments, they celebrate the uncommon moments animated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Episodes
Liturgy and the American Teenager part 2
Our guest, Rev. Allen Strawn, has a unique perspective as the pastor serving Calvary Lutheran Chapel on the campus of the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He regularly interacts with students from a wide range of liturgical backgrounds and shares with us what he has observed, and how a historic, consistent, Scripture based (particularly sung) liturgy is meaningful in their faith formation and e
Liturgy and the American Teenager part 1
Our guest, Rev. Allen Strawn, has a unique perspective as the pastor serving Calvary Lutheran Chapel on the campus of the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He regularly interacts with students from a wide range of liturgical backgrounds and shares with us what he has observed, and how a historic, consistent, Scripture based (particularly sung) liturgy is meaningful in their faith formation and e
St. Paul's Young Adult Mission Education Experience Debrief part 2
We sat down with the team of young adults that just returned from the Dominican Republic. They went to visit our missionary partners for a mission education experience. This conversation really just touches the surface of what they experienced, Listen for how what they learned and experienced as they saw the gospel proclaimed shaped them, and will continue to stay with them even as they've retur
St. Paul's Young Adult Mission Education Experience Debrief
We sat down with the team of young adults that just returned from the Dominican Republic. They went to visit our missionary partners for a mission education experience. This conversation really just touches the surface of what they experienced, Listen for how what they learned and experienced as they saw the gospel proclaimed shaped them, and will continue to stay with them even as they've retur
Don and Karen Meyer Part 2 REPOSTED from our first season of Christ in All Things
This is “Part 2” of our interview with Don and Karen Meyer.June is “Biblical Marriage Month” at St. Paul’s. It is a celebration of God’s design for marriage, even as it is lived out in the brokenness of this world. Christ is “in all things.” (Col 1.17) He is in marriages that are thriving, and in marriages that are struggling. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
Don and Karen Meyer. REPOSTED from our first season on Christ in All Things
June is “Biblical Marriage Month” at St. Paul’s. It is a celebration of God’s design for marriage, even as it is lived out in the brokenness of this world. Christ is “in all things.” (Col 1.17) He is in marriages that are thriving, and in marriages that are struggling. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27, ESV) Christ’s call is to follow, and since—pe
Biblical Marriage Month: Remembering Marcus and Carolyn Pankow part 2
Celebrating Biblical Marriage Month, several members of the St. Paul's Marriage Ministry team gathered to remember one of the founding couples of the St. Paul's Marriage Ministry Team. This is part 2 of that conversation. Marcus and Carolyn Pankow served the church for most of their lives. Marcus as a teacher and Principal, Carolyn from the organ bench on Sunday mornings. They both left a deep a
Biblical Marriage Month: Remembering Marcus and Carolyn Pankow part 1
Celebrating Biblical Marriage Month, several members of the St. Paul's Marriage Ministry team gathered to remember one of the founding couples of the St. Paul's Marriage Ministry Team. Marcus and Carolyn Pankow served the church for most of their lives. Marcus as a teacher and Principal, Carolyn from the organ bench on Sunday mornings. They both left a deep and lasting impact in our life togethe
Margie Hertneky part 2
Meet Margie Hertneky, who this year completes 42 years of teaching in Lutheran Schools, the last 32 here at St. Paul's Lutheran School, Oconomowoc WI. As Margie prepares to retire at the end of the school year, we couldn't think of a better interview to share with you listeners. This "warrior pearl" has shares what she's learned from her students and how Christ in all things has been shaping her
Margie Louise Hertneky part 1
Meet Margie Hertneky, who this year completes 42 years of teaching in Lutheran Schools, the last 32 here at St. Paul's Lutheran School, Oconomowoc WI. As Margie prepares to retire at the end of the school year, we couldn't think of a better interview to share with you listeners. This "warrior pearl" has shares what she's learned from her students and how Christ in all things has been shaping her
"One Baptism" and Confirmation
At St. Paul’s the first Lord’s Day in May is “Confirmation.” In this episode we talk about what confirmation is for Lutherans. We address the questions asked—and promises made—in confirmation. As listeners will hear, there is a deep connection between the third article of The Nicene Creed and Baptism. In the Nicene Creed we confess, “. . . And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church,
Liturgy and Evangelism, a Conversation
Buckle up. This might be the most important episode we've recorded in three seasons of Christ In All Things. “’Liturgy and Evangelism,’ a Conversation” is deeply theological and personal for both pastors here. It’s about being lost and being found by Christ. The conversation flows from “Liturgy and Evangelism” by Dr. Kurt Marquardt (Please listen to the previous episode for the full reading of tha
Liturgy and Evangelism by Dr. Kurt Marquardt
Welcome to “Liturgy and Evangelism by Dr. Kurt Marquardt.” In this episode you’ll hear a personal introduction to the late +Rev. Dr. Kurt Marquard+ by Pastor Lance O’Donnell, which became—much to his surprise—a deeply emotional live-mic moment. We decided to leave it because it helps provide a sense of the man who wrote the essay that so faithfully and clearly explains why a consistent, Scripture-
Meet Rev. Dr. Ross Shaver. Part 2
What a joy it was to talk with Ross Shaver! In Part 2 of this interview, which was recorded shortly before the Shavers deployed for their missionary work in the Dominican Republic. This episode is really an extended discussion of pastoral and missionary formation. It is an insight into the unique ways Christ forms men for the work to which He calls them. We also have a fascinating discussion about
Meet Rev. Dr. Ross Shaver. Part 1
Rev. Dr. Ross Patrick Shaver is a missionary and theological educator with the Dominican Republic Lutheran Mission. We, at Christ In All Things, have had this in the hopper for some time and are pleased to finally publish it. This episode was recorded just before he and his family deployed to the mission field. As you’ll hear, Dr. Shaver was deeply impacted by a faithful Christian upbringing, by h
Meet Al Mueller. Part 2
Welcome to Part 2 of our interview with Alfred Paul “Al” Mueller. This episode continues the previous discussion about servant leadership; in particular, about Al’s parents and family. You’ll hear a classic “Al and Kathy” courtship story. You’ll hear some beautiful reflections about the Mueller’s family joy in service. You’ll hear some faithful advice about how to become part of a congregational f
Meet Al Mueller. Part 1
Back in the day at St. Paul’s, Alfred Paul “Al” Mueller was known for giving “a little elbow” to someone who ran the baseline too vigorously in the men’s pick-up basketball games. You’ll find a different Al in this interview: gentle, deeply thoughtful, thankful, at rest of soul in Christ. A couple weeks back listeners heard from Al’s effervescent wife, Kathy. Here you’ll find a man deeply thankful
Meet Kathy Jane Mueller. Part 2
Part 2 of our interview with Kathy Jane Mueller centers in the importance of worship in the Christian life. Kathy—in her own charitable and humorous way—helps us understand how following Christ into active participation in the congregation is important. As Kathy notes, when you make yourself available, the Lord will send someone in your path to welcome you and make you feel at home and include you
Meet Kathy Jane Mueller. Part 1
Listeners might remember Kathy Jane Mueller from episodes 94-95, when she sat alongside her mother, Ruth Polcha, for her Christ In All Things interview. We’re very excited to have Kathy back to talk about her own journey in Christ. As you will hear, Kathy blends a great reverence for Christ, a love of His Church, true honor for her family, and a terrific sense of humor. Recorded 26 February, A.D.
The Salutation is NOT a Holy Howdy. Part 2
Welcome to Part 2 of “The Salutation is Not a Holy Howdy.” As our guest, Rev. Dr. Timothy Quill notes, when—as a pastoral greeting—The Salutation is given, “the knot of love between pastor and people is strengthened.” We speak about how and when the pastor is to speak The Salutation, and we move from there into a broader conversation about different aspects of the liturgy, the pastor’s conduct of
The Salutation is NOT a Holy Howdy. Part 1
When the Pastor says, “The Lord be with you,” and the congregation responds with, “And with thy spirit” it is NOT the way the church says, “Hello,” even though it is often treated as such. That back and forth is called, "The Salutation.” As our special guest, liturgical scholar, Rev. Dr. Timothy Quill tells us, The Salutation is both a greeting and a blessing. It’s use in the Church goes all the w
The Nicene Creed in Public Worship part 2
This is Part 2 of our interview with Rev. Timothy Winterstein regarding the Nicene Creed in the life of the Church. We discuss how God is working things together in Christ and see how God used some of the human development to lead the Church toward a unified, orthodox confession of Christ. Recorded 20 January, A.D. 2026
The Nicene Creed in Public Worship. Part 1
2025 was the 1700th anniversary of the orthodox church’s confession of faith that we call the “Nicene Creed.” During the fall and early winter of 2025 Pastor Jason Schockman taught a class—and preached an Advent sermon series—at St. Paul’s—Oconomowoc based on the book Worshiped and Glorified: A Study of the Nicene Creed, by Rev. Tim Winterstein. In episodes 101 and 102 of CHRIST IN ALL THINGS we i
Holy Humor: Pastor's Kids, Part 2
Pastor’s families have some unique challenges, and sometimes challenging crosses to bear. They also have unique privileges and unique situations for joy and laughter. We hope you enjoy “Holy Humor: Pastor’s Kids, Part 2.” Kind of perfect that this is the 100th episode of Christ In All Things!Recorded 23 December, A.D. 2025
Holy Humor: Pastor's Kids, Part 1
Laughter is a great gift of God, and laughing at ourselves is a healthy part of a faithful, Christian life. Because St. Paul’s has a number of pastor’s kids in the congregation we thought it would be fun to give a few of them an opportunity to laugh and tell stories (That can be told in public 😊) about their pastor-dads and a pastor’s family life. So, we’ve called this series, “Holy Humor.” This i
Meet Mimi Gebel. Part 2
Welcome to Part 2 of our interview with Mimi Gebel, who was born in 1928. What a vibrant and generous and resolute Christian soul she is! Her interview is a fascinating window into German and German-American culture, including the almost “arranged” relationship with a boy named Wally, who became her beloved husband and with whom she operated a successful business that put her God-given skills to w
Meet Mimi Gebel. Part 1
“Mimi” Gebel was born in the Year of Our Lord, 1928. Just the exploration of her five names was an adventure, and—as it often is—revealing. We laughed at the story of why she is “Mimi” and we loved the discovery of how her names reveal both a personal history and a gradually revelation of her character. Mimi’s family story is a fascinating immigration story, and a story of how “God works all thing
Meet Ruth Polcha. Part 2
“This boy kept coming over to my house, and my father told him not to come over any more. But then he went off to war…” So begins Part 2 of our interview with centenarian, Ruth Polcha, and so begins the beautiful love story between a faithful Slovak Lutheran named Edward Polcha and—you guessed it—a German Lutheran girl named Ruth Zehnder. Together they made a faithful Lutheran family that has bequ
Meet Ruth Polcha. Part 1
This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation with centenarian Ruth Polcha. This interview is a window into a humble and faithful Christian family. Ruth is a relatively new member of St. Paul’s, but through her daughter’s family, she has a long connection to us. Her daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Al Mueller, are some of St. Paul’s more faithful and active members. After many years separated across
Liturgical Hospitality part 2
We have a deep conviction that a consistent, Scripture-based order of service, or “liturgy”—especially sung liturgy—is better for the faith-formation of all ages. You see, the Divine Service—the Word and Sacrament worship of the Church—is a wedding feast. It is the “marriage supper of the Lamb,” (Rev 19.9) where Jesus Christ Himself is our host and the substance of the feast. So, it’s really helpf
Liturgical Hospitality
We have a deep conviction that a consistent, Scripture-based order of service, or “liturgy”—especially sung liturgy—is better for the faith-formation of all ages. You see, the Divine Service—the Word and Sacrament worship of the Church—is a wedding feast. It is the “marriage supper of the Lamb,” (Rev 19.9) where Jesus Christ Himself is our host and the substance of the feast. So, it’s really helpf
Leadership Reflections on "Reflecting Christ: What Does 'Stewardship' Mean?" Part 3 of 3
In this episode, St. Paul’s congregational leaders Matt Dinnauer (elders) and Alec Heffern (finance) discuss “What Does ‘Stewardship’ Mean?,” the third and final part of our “Reflecting Christ” series with the Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador. As in the responses to Parts 1 and 2, you’ll hear genuine “Aha” moments, thankfulness, and a clear sense of the deep call of all Christians to participate in receivin
Reflecting Christ. Part 3 of 3: What Does "Stewardship" Mean?
“What stewardship is not is ‘what you do’. What it is is who you are.” As Dr. Nathan Meador reminds us in Part 3 of our “Reflecting Christ” series on Christian stewardship, we are created and redeemed by Jesus Christ as God’s stewards. It is something we observe, but it is activity that flows from our identity. It flows from receiving the mercies of Christ. In this episode we talk about both the d
"Sons of the Resurrection" Sermon for 2025-11-09
Christians are “sons of God, being sons of the resurrection” (Luke 20:36), for the Lord our God “is not God of the dead, but of the living” (Luke 20:38). “Those who deny that there is a resurrection” (Luke 20:27) neither know the Scriptures nor the power of God, but the baptized faithful know “that the dead are raised” (Luke 20:37). For the Lord, who was and is and is to come, knows Israel’s suffe
"Uniquely Loved" Sermon for All Saints Day (Observed) 2025-11-02
“A great multitude … from all tribes and peoples and languages” cry out, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne” (Rev. 7:9–10). Uniquely loved, Faith-filled saints from every place and time with unified voices eternally magnify the Lamb of God. As His beloved children, we, too, “shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). Joined with the throng of angels and countless saints, we shall “ser
Meet Tom and Bernita Krenzke. Part 2
Welcome to Part 2 of our interview with Tom and Bernita Krenzke, a fascinating and wonderful Christian couple. In this part of the interview we go more deeply into the key influences on their marriage, including how their cross-cultural training for missionary work also proved to be great training for marriage. This part of the interview, especially, is a lesson on humble and faithful Christian ma
Meet Tom and Bernita Krenzke. Part 1
In honor of St. Paul’s annual marriage retreat that occurs in November, it is our pleasure to introduce you to Tom and Bernita Krenzke. They met as Lutheran elementary school teachers in Canada and we talk about the Godly vocation of Lutheran school teacher and how formative Lutheran churches and schools were for them. You’ll hear Bernita talk about growing up on one of the last homesteads in the
"Designed for Godly Freedom" Sermon for Reformation Sunday 2025-10-26
Jesus Christ dwells eternally in His resurrected flesh, setting us free to live in hope and glorify God in our bodies.The true disciple of Jesus doesn’t just “dwell under the house” of His Word, as it were, it’s that the disciple “stands in complete trust” in His Word. And we—Christ’s disciples—have good reason for such a stand: The Son of God has set us free from sin and death by His death and re
"Cross the Jabbok" Sermon 2025-10-19
In Christ we are reconciled to God. His call to reconciliation is a call to wrestle with Him in prayer, to trust, and to follow.Jesus taught “The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Lk 18.2-8) so that we might learn “. . . always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1, ESV) That’s a big deal because sometimes, like Jacob, we can do deceitful things. (see Gen 27) Even though we know that “all Scriptu
Reflecting Christ. Part 2 of 3. Of What Are We Stewards?
“Of What Are We Stewards” is Part 2 of our “Reflecting Christ” series on Christian stewardship with Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador. In this episode, Dr. Meador talks about the consequences of what he calls “the first stewardship crisis,” leading us to THE most important thing of which God has entrusted us: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The steward, Dr. Meador says, is a “conduit of the Gospel.” “The Gospel,
"Remember Christ Jesus" Sermon 2025-10-12
“Remember Jesus Christ.” This is where we look, this is where we turn, when the suffering looks too daunting. Remember Jesus Christ. This is the remembering of faith, to recall the one in whom you put your trust and your hope. Where can we go to for the strength to do this? The person of Jesus Christ lodges Himself in holy food — bread and wine for believers to eat and drink. You lodge where Jesus
"The Righteous Running in Faith" Sermon for 2025-10-05
We live by Faith, and run in the righteousness of Christ’s Forgiveness We are surrounded by“destruction and violence”(Hab. 1:3) because the Law“is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth”(Hab. 1:4). In fact, the Law cannot rescue us from ourBabylon; thepower of theenemy, the world, or our own sinful flesh.“Temptations to sin are sure to come”(Luke 17:1), but as often as we sin, the Lord rebukes us
The Catechetical Life
The Catechetical Life is an “audio brochure” of sorts. (It is based upon a brochure that Pastor O’Donnell wrote.) It is intended both to teach and to be a means of evaluating one’s family and congregational life. With a little bit of humor, we teach about life in the Church. We teach the difference between “Law” and “Gospel.” We make an important connection between a classical method of teaching—c
"Lord God of Sabaoth" Sermon for St. Michael and All Angels (09-28-2025)
We live in “a time of trouble” (Dan. 12:1), in the midst of great tribulation. Satan and his wicked angels have been thrown out of heaven and have come down to earth “in great wrath,” with woeful “temptations to sin” and with constant accusations (Rev. 12:8–12; Matt. 18:7). Even so, we are encouraged by the presence and protection of St. Michael and the holy angels, whom God sends to help us in th
Leadership Reflections on "Reflecting Christ: Stewardship as Identity"
We asked St. Paul’s congregational leaders, John Nelson and Dale Stratil, to listen to Episode 77, “Reflecting Christ: Stewardship as Identity,” before its publication. John is currently serving as St. Paul’s 1st VP, and Dale is currently teaching a Bible class on stewardship. In this episode, we ask them to reflect on things that really stuck out to them from Dr. Meador’s teaching on stewardship.
Reflecting Christ. Part 1 of 3. Stewardship as Identity
So often when we think about “stewardship,” we think about our money, our time, our talent. We think about what we do. But stewardship is not, fundamentally, about our “activity.” It’s about Christ, what HE has done for us, and what HE is doing in and through us. Stewardship is about Christ, His Gospel, and our identity in Him.Recorded 17 July, A.D. 2025
"Look to the Cross and Lift it High" (Sermon 09-14-2025)
St. Paul's member, Rev. Dr. Richard Thompson is our guest preacher this Holy Cross Sunday.The observance of Holy Cross Day occurs every year on September 14th. Holy Cross Day has stood as a monument and touchstone for nearly eighteen centuries encouraging believers to confess “Christ Crucified.” (1 Cor. 1:23) In our Old Testament lesson we see an excellent precursor of God’s redemption through the
"A Radical Mercy" (Sermon 09-07-2025)
Christ gives a radical mercy to us, and calls from us—in His Name—the same. The call of Christ is absolute. He is God. He is worshipped as God by the magi (Mt 2.11). He is worshipped as God after His resurrection, by the disciples (Mt 28.17) Thus, the First Commandment applies in our worship toward him: “You shall have no other Gods.” Nowhere does this hit more powerfully than with family ties. If
Jacob and Delores: A Love Story
We believe that a consistent, Scripture-based order of service, or ‘liturgy’—particularly sung liturgy—is better for the faith-formation of all ages. We believe that Jacob and Delores: A Love Story presents powerful evidence for that conviction. In this episode you’ll hear Season Two’s Jacob’s Story re-told, and—in a clip we received permission to publish—you’ll also hear a much older woman names
Jacob's Story
“Jacob’s Story” is about a lot of things. This account, his parents’ summary of his last days with us, is both heart-rending and faith-filling. It is a tragedy, but one that is imbued with Christian hope. “Jacob’s Story” is an episode to which we will refer many times in Season 3 and beyond, for what happened with Jacob Juneau changed more than the lives of his family. It changed the lives of many
Meet Brett Helwig. Part 2
In Part 2 of our interview with Brett Helwig we talk about how life in the church is forming him, and how his talents in music and engineering combine in Christ. We have a delightful introduction to his very engineer-ish encounter, courtship, and marriage to a vivacious farm girl named Kerri. We also hear about the Helwig’s journey to membership at St. Paul’s and love of God's creation. To listen
Meet Brett Helwig. Part 1
Brett Helwig is “not an overthinker.” Funny thing to say for an engineer! Yet, as you’ll hear in Part 1 of our interview, Brett Helwig thinks both broadly and carefully. He comes from faithful, servant stock with deep, deep Christian faith. That family was very formative for him, as were some significant events in his young life. Brett was born in 1995, so as of this recording he’s less than 30 y
Meet Harrison Goodman Part 2
Chief of sinners. Child of God. Pastor Harrison Goodman preaches Christ crucified as a light that shines in darkness and a hope for the hopeless. As content executive, he helps to make these same gifts known online by employing the many voices and talents of our brothers and sisters in Christ. He believes that while the internet cannot replace Word and Sacrament ministry, it doesn’t need to try. H
Meet Harrison Goodman. Part 1
Chief of sinners. Child of God. Pastor Harrison Goodman preaches Christ crucified as a light that shines in darkness and a hope for the hopeless. As content executive, he helps to make these same gifts known online by employing the many voices and talents of our brothers and sisters in Christ. He believes that while the internet cannot replace Word and Sacrament ministry, it doesn’t need to try.
Meet Kerri Helwig. Part 2
In Part 2 of our conversation with Kerri Helwig we move from the discussion of changing churches and the challenges of friendship to the absolutely formative culture of farm life. Though Kerri doesn’t live on a large farm, she has a fascinating career in agriculture. She brings a delightful humor to related “aromatic” subjects, to discussion of her artistic creations, to her courtship and marriage
Meet Kerri Helwig. Part 1
It is flat-out amazing the stories that you can hear simply by asking someone the origins and meaning of their name. Then, when you ask, “What are the top three-to-five things that formed you as a human being,” well, that’s a recipe for a really great conversation. From the tragic and inspiring story from which Kerri got her name, to the challenges of changing churches and its impact on friendship
Grieving with Hope. Year Two
What does a White Castle slider have to do with grief? Listen to “Grieving with Hope: Year Two” to find out! This concludes our series of interviews with Pastor Jason Schockman regarding death of his father on August 8, 2022. This series is intended to provide a listening ear into the grieving process, where hearers encounter the reality of grief and an abiding Christian hope. Discerning ears will
Meet Grace Beatrice Olson. Part 2
This is Part 2 of our interview with Grace Beatrice Olson, and it really is a treasure. In a congregation nearly 160 years old, not often do pastors have the opportunity to converse with members who have connections to the congregation’s founding. Grace was able and willing to share stories from farm life and early St. Paul’s church and school. We talk about the development of hymnals, its use as
Meet Grace Beatrice Olson. Part 1
Grace Olson is a Loppnow, making her a descendant of the some of the founding members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in 1865. As you’ll hear, Grace has delightful senses of humor and curiosity. Grace comes from a family of six children, and speaks with thankfulness about her family of origin and the life of faith inculcated by her parents and key figures in the history of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Meet Dave Meyer. Part 2
Dave Meyer has no illusions about what worship is and the purpose of the Church. He says, “We’re not here on Sunday mornings because we’re wonderfully good people. We’re here because we know how bad we are and we need that forgiveness.” In Part 2 of our interview with Dave we explore what it means to be “Lutheran,” we further discuss his shared faith and practice in his family, the importance of b
Meet Dave Meyer. Part 1
“This is the deal, and away we go…” David Robert Meyer has deep roots in the Lutheran confession of the Christian faith and in SE Wisconsin. He gratefully and thankfully follows in the family history of serving in the church. He also has a wonderful marriage a family story, with its own unique twists. In this episode you will hear how thankful he is for the key people in his life . . . and that he
Meet Jackie Meyer. Part 2
In Part Two of our conversation with Jackie Meyer she noted that of those conceived with Turner’s Syndrome only two percent live to birth. As a result, Jackie has a profound sense of thankfulness and purpose. This thankfulness and purpose deeply informs the adoption and parenting of their son, indeed, the whole of her life and service in the church, especially with “the little things.” Recorded 21
Meet Jackie Meyer. Part 1
Jaclyn Marie Meyer’s doctor once described her as “the little engine that could.” When you listen to this conversation you’ll understand why that is apt, for Jackie Meyer has had her challenges since birth. In this episode we talk about her Turner’s Syndrome with candor and Christian hope. Among other things, we hear the wonderful story of her early-twenties encounter with a college lad named Dave
Bonfires, Brews, and Board Games: Cultivating Christian Friendship. Part 2
In Part 2 of this live conversation between two best friends, Mark Tredray and Rev. Jason Schockman, the best friends talk about the development of their friendship, disappointments, and the centrality of God’s forgiveness. The banter is genuine but the central point is this: “What makes friendship work is when it’s grounded in the forgiveness and grace we have in Christ.” Whether you have great f
Bonfires, Brews, and Board Games: Cultivating Christian Friendship
This is Part 1 of a live conversation between two best friends, Mark Tredray and Rev. Jason Schockman. Recorded at Reformation Tap Society on February 18, 2024, their talk is entitled, “Bonfires, Brews, and Board Games: Cultivating Christian Friendship.” As these two readily admit, they are “experts on friendship only inasmuch as we have made things work.” They recognize that there is both provide
Wonderfully Made. Part 3
“The triune God,” notes Dr. John Kleinig, “designed [the human body] for himself and for participation in his own eternal life . . . he designed it so that he could show himself bodily to other embodied people and give them bodily access to himself by his theophany, his physical appearance to them in Jesus. . . The human body was made to bridge two realms: the invisible, eternal realm of God and t
Christian Entrepreneurship.Colin Murdy.Part 2
This Part 2 of our re-published interview with Colin Murdy, which was recorded on August 3, 2022, in a moment when business was particularly tight for Colin. We’re republishing this as part of Season Two’s “Christian Entrepreneurship” series.Part two includes important conversations about risk, learning, Godly discernment, God’s will, and the creative process. It was a delight for the hosts to lis
Christian Entrepreneurship.Colin Murdy.Part 1
This interview was first released as a bonus episode on August 5, 2022. We remastered it into two parts that—we think—fit nicely into Season Two’s “Christian Entrepreneurship” series.Colin Murdy was simply being generous, as his parents taught him to be, but by placing a stunning leather journal in another’s hand he opened a window of discovery. It turned out to be an important act of Christian se
Pete Sheild. Christian Entrepreneuriship. Part 2
Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Pete Sheild becomes even more vivid, as we pick up from the lessons Pete learned as a high school state basketball champion to the beginnings of his entrepreneurial impulse. Pete speaks of the significant impact being part of a pastor’s family had on his business practice, and his personal interactions with patients and employees. We also have the opportunity to be
Pete Sheild. Christian Entrepreneurship. Part 1
Can a dentist really be called an entrepreneur? We think so, and so does Pete Sheild, a man of varied interests and abilities. Pete is the son of a pastor. His Christian faith deeply influenced his vocational choices and sustained him in trial. He owned and operated a successful practice named Sheild Family Dentistry for many years. In Part 1 of our interview we talk about the birth of the busines
Meet Mark and Renee Ebert. Part 2
Is there such a thing as “Christian entrepreneurship”? Mark and Renee Ebert would definitely say, “Yes!” They are the owners of Ebert’s Greenhouse Village (www.ebertsgreenhouse.com) in Ixonia, Wisconsin. In Part 2 of our interview we continue the conversation about what formed Mark, Renee, and their business. This takes us further into their history, and to the profound spiritual and economic impa
Meet Mark and Renee Ebert. Part 1
In this wonderful interview you’ll meet Mark and Renee Ebert, owners of Ebert’s Greenhouse Village (www.ebertsgreenhouse.com) in Ixonia, Wisconsin. Ebert’s is now a “greenhouse experience,” with millions of dollars in gross income, but it didn’t start that way. Listen for the humble origins with Mark’s father, Mark’s “buy in,” and the arrival of Renee Baganz into Mark’s life and the ways they have
2023 Advent-Christmas Preview
This November-December (2023) is an interesting time. On the world stage there are disturbing wars in Ukraine and in Israel. There is metaphorical saber-rattling for the 2024 presidential election. There’s much about which to be concerned. But here, in our Christ In All Things 2023 Advent-Christmas Preview, we preview the St. Paul’s—Oconomowoc (WI) mid-week Advent series, “Peace on Earth” and our
Meet Cheryl Tesch. Part 2
In Part 2 of our interview with Cheryl Tesch we talk about how Cheryl was formed by her service to the church, and by some very challenging situations in her life. Here, again, Cheryl’s candor and faithfulness are on display. It is a delightful conversation about how Christ forms His servants by the Word of God, suffering, and the fellowship of believers. (Recorded on August 30, 2023.)
Meet Cheryl Tesch. Part 1
Every Christian congregation needs at least one Cheryl Tesch. She is a "get things done person." This is the first of our two-part interview with Cheryl, who (You will see 😊) is a Christian of deep faith, humility, candor, and good humor. Over the years she has served St. Paul’s in more ways than we could probably count. For the pastors who interview her and serve along side her, it’s a great hono
Meet Dan Eifert. Part 2
Part 2 of our interview with Dan Eifert is an American symphony of sorts. It is the story of a man and a woman (Dan and Rachelle) who are at a liberal arts university to pursue medical careers, but whose participation in a university choir—and the addition of a music major for one—becomes a prelude to a grander journey involving unforeseen career paths, travels around the world, and—both metaphori
Meet Dan Eifert. Part 1
Dan Eifert comes from a long line of church workers; though he doesn’t have a formal “Divine Call” from the church, he and his family serve in many ways. In Part 1 of our interview with Dan we explore the power of a name, and of a family of people molded by Christ and Christ’s service in His Church.
Meet Sara Benes. Part 1
Sara Ruth (Mueller) Benes was a seventh grader when her family moved to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin from Salt Lake City, Utah. The rest is living St. Paul’s history. Except for a time out-of-state in college and then early in her career and married life, Sara has been a fixture at St. Paul’s, where for some years she has been the third grade teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. In this episode we refl
Grieving with Hope: One Year
On August 8, 2022, Rev. Gary Schockman died in The LORD. In the last year Pastor Lance O’Donnell has been interviewing his colleague, Rev. Jason Schockman, about “grieving with hope.” In this interview, recorded one year after his father’s death, we hear through the discussion the abiding and life-changing hope that Christ gives, and—among other things—we hear about the importance of conversation
Christian Entrepreneurship: Stratil Enterprises, Inc. Part 2
In Part 2 of our interview with Dale Stratil, we probe for the top 3-5 things that have formed Stratil Enterprises, Inc. (www.stratil.com) In the process we discovered that the Stratils laugh about operating a “boomerang factory.” We also discover how Dale and Kim enjoy working together, a fascinating correspondence with friendship, and that above all, Christian entrepreneurship “is not about how
