Grand Opening

The congregation singing Lift High the Cross.

What a month it has been at Hill Country! The planting team has been hard at work with a booth at the Vernon County Fair and getting our new space ready for services. All of their hard work culminated with our first Vespers service on Thursday evening, October 2nd. Praise be to God, the opening service was a packed house with people standing in the

hallway and entryway. It was a beautiful sight to see so many people gathered in our small space to hear Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection faithfully proclaimed.

Vicar Bieri preaching on what it means to be in God's Hill Country.

The theme of the service was what it means to be in God’s Hill Country. Throughout Holy Scripture, the hill country is a place where God reveals Himself and gives refuge to His faithful people. Today our Lord continues to reveal Himself in His Word and His Sacraments. That is the purpose of this Hill Country nestled in the hills of Vernon County; to faithfully proclaim Christ’s words, to baptize people into the one true faith, and

rightly distribute His body and blood in the Lord’s Supper. This is how God chooses to be with His people today for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Wherever Christ is present, there is God’s Hill Country. Those who are in His Hill Country are blessed by God in the place of His refuge. The crucified and living Savior of the world is our refuge. This message will continue to be proclaimed from Christ’s Holy Hill until He returns. His faithful remnant can’t help but proclaim it from the hills.

People fill the entryway to hear God's Word.

Thank you to everyone who has helped make Hill Country Lutheran Church a reality. Thanks to the planting team whose countless hours and hard work were the backbone of this venture. Thanks to our friends and congregations who have supported us from afar with prayers, donations, and financial support; within the South Wisconsin District, the Missouri Synod, and beyond. Thanks to those who visited us and supported us at our opening service. Above all, thanks be to God for establishing Christ as the head of His church and dwelling with His people wherever they are gathered around His Word and Sacraments. Please continue to keep Hill Country in your prayers so that it will be a place of refuge in Christ, that God’s Word will continue to be faithfully taught, and that the evil foe will be kept at bay through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The chancel beginning to be set up for the opening service.

Pastor Eichers and Vicar Bieri before the opening service.

Guests enjoying fellowship after the service.