June Update: Baton Pass

I (Vicar Junkin) have been helping get Hill Country started since July 2024. I've learned quite a bit about church work in general, church planting in particular, and leading a team of dedicated, faithful volunteers. It's been exciting to meet all kinds of people, get a consistent Bible study going, and put a lot of foundational pieces in place to build a really solid church on. Sadly, my term as the vicar at Faith Lutheran Church in La Crosse and the chair of their Planting Team is coming to an end. I'll effectively be finished on June 23, 2025. But, fear not! The work will continue unhindered. None of this really depended on me in the first place. It's all God's work, and he'll keep doing it through the same Planting Team and a new vicar. I'm passing the baton to Vicar-elect Bieri, who'll be on the scene in late July. He's passionate and personable, well-equipped for the work ahead. He's already been working with me and my team to allow a smooth transition. Mr. Bieri and his son were even able to drive up and personally attend a Memorial weekend barbeque. The Bieris, the Planting Team, and their families joined friends, family, and neighbors of two of our dear friends and fellow workers in Christ at their beautiful cabin near La Farge. We had a great time with good food, fishing and rowing on the pond, and chatting with both new and familiar faces. Mr. Bieri also got the chance to look around Viroqua and La Crosse, see the (not-yet-finished) home he'll be moving into and his office, both of which have space to potentially hold modest worship services. He's all about being in the community and welcoming people into his home and family life, so if you're near Viroqua, you can look forward to future opportunities to meet and worship together in the comfort of a lively home!

Pr. Eichers, Vicar Junkin, and Vicar-elect Bieri at Faith Lutheran in La Crosse after church. 

From Vicar Josiah Junkin, Planting Team Chair

Pr. Eicher, Vicar Junkin, and Vicar-elect Bieri at Faith Lutheran after church.

Pr. Eichers, Vicar Junkin, and Vicar-elect Bieri in the office Bieri will occupy. 

Vicar-elect Bieri and Vicar Junkin envisioning worship in the office building's shared lounge.

Vicar-elect Bieri, Jake Bieri, and Vicar Junkin exploring the Bieri's unfinished duplex and imagining worship in the living room. 

Vicar-elect Bieri, Jake Bieri, Vicar Junkin, and Pr. Eichers at lunch in the Driftless Cafe, a farm-to-table restaurant in Viroqua. 

The Bieris, the Junkins, and others enjoying the pond at the Memorial BBQ.