"Faith exists so that each Disciple will Know Jesus, Grow in His Word, and Share His love with all."

OUR HISTORY, FAITH, and STAFF

For 50 years, the people of Faith Lutheran have been following the path of scripture by gathering together for study, prayer, fellowship, and the reception of the sacraments in order that we may be strengthened in our faith as well as to encourage one another as we serve our Lord in the Chippewa Valley.

Like all journeys of faith, it has been memorable for its joys and sorrows. We remember the times of celebration and laughter as well as the tears of grief. Dear friends have departed from our company and always will be remembered. New friends have joined us in our fellowship, and we welcome them.

Anniversaries give us an opportunity to pause and reflect on where we have been. The challenge is not to get mired in the past. That was then. This is now. And the future is yet to come. As we reflect on how the past has molded us and brought us to this place, let us look forward to the future. Let us look forward with anticipation and expectation. Christmas is a day when we look forward to unwrapping and revealing the gifts under the tree. The future for us is like Christmas for we get to unwrap and behold the manifold blessings God bestows upon us, blessings like friendship, support, care, encouragement, and spiritual growth.

We know what the past has given us. We look forward to the future of promise because we are traveling with our Savior and Lord. God's great blessings continue to be with all the members of Faith for many years to come.

Our STAFF

Rev. Dr. Daniel Wonderly

Pastor Dan graduated from Concordia College, Ann Arbor, in 1981, and got married to Sandy. In 1985 he graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He served at Hope Lutheran Church, Stanton, Michigan, from 1985-1990, and then accepted a call to Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Burton, Michigan, in 1990. While pastor at Pilgrim, Pastor Dan attended Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, and graduated with a Master Degree in Counseling in 2002. He then attended Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, graduating in 2009 with a Doctorate of Ministry Degree. Pastor also taught part-time at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, MI, from 2007-2018. Pastor Dan remained at Pilgrim Lutheran Church until accepting the call to Faith Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, in 2018.

Pastor Dan, and his wife Sandy, raised 3 children (Daniel, James, and Jennifer), and they are all now married. Daniel married Michelle, and they have two girls: Makaela and Adriana, and they currently reside in Fort Wayne, Indiana. James married Katie, and they have two children: Malachi and Lilly, and they live in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Jenny married Jon, and they have two children also: Ryleigh and Mason, residing in Tallahassee, Florida.

HISTORY

1954: Two seminary students canvassed the Chippewa Falls area, found a suitable location, and the first worship service and Sunday School was held. The name of Faith was selected and the constitution and by-laws were adopted. Rev. C.J. Cizek of Gleason became our first pastor.

1955: Charter membership was closed with 61 members and the Ladies Society was organized. Congregation was incorporated under the laws of the state of Wisconsin. Received into membership of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Construction of parsonage and worship facility began.

1956: Dedication of parsonage and worship facility. Began operating a concession stand at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair.

1964-66: Due to growth, a new worship facility was built and the old worship facility was converted to a parish hall. No longer needing district financial support, Faith became self-supporting.

1971: Pastor Cizek moved to Forestville and Pastor Dan Seng joined us.

1976: Pastor Seng moved to Michigan and Pastor Ronald Hoffman joined us.

1977-78: A young mother's group began Faith Christian Preschool.

1982: Earl Katt became the first Director of Christian Education.

1984: Our 30th anniversary was celebrated, the Labor of Love banner was installed in the sanctuary, tape ministry began, and the kitchen was remodeled.

1986: Pastor Hoffman moved to Minnesota and Pastor William Plautz joined us.

1988: Associate Pastor Jones joined us.

1990-91: Pastor Jones moved to Green Bay and Timothy Klinkenberg joined us as Associate Pastor.

1992: Due to persistent water problems, the bell tower was removed. Sanctuary received new flooring.

1993: David Reineke became Director of Christian Education.

1997: Bell tower, designed by a member, is installed on front lawn.

1999: The 5,500 sq. ft. addition for new classrooms, youth/choir room, offices, narthex, and libary was completed.

2001: Vicar Craig Mathews joined us as Associate Pastor.

2004: Our 50th anniversary

2005: December Congregation paid off the mortgage for the new addition.

2006: New hymnals were purchased

2007: The organ was renovated, the sanctuary was repaired, a projection system was purchased, the Fellowship Hall was remodeled, a room was created off the sanctuary for families with children, and we began serving meals at Agnes Table.

2008: A new governance model and participation in the Family Friendly Partners Network is approved. The church received an sizable estate and created an endowment to fund mission projects.

2010: Pastor Craig Mathews moved to Florida.

2011: Michael Kipp joined us as Director of Christian Education for Youth and Family Ministry.

2012: Michael Kipp join us as Directory of Christian Education and Youth & Family ministry.

2014: Michael Kipp moved to Sioux City, Iowa

2015: Valerie Brooks joined us as Director of Youth and Family Ministry

2016: Sanctuary flooring was replaced

2017: Pastor William Plautz retired