We make our plans with care and good intention, yet we trust that the Lord’s timing is wiser than our own. This week did not unfold as expected. Instead of the fresh start I was hoping for after a chaotic end to 2025, the Lord seems to be saying, “No—not yet.”
So today, rather than something new, I share the content of our end-of-year letter. If you have already received it in the mail, I thank you for your patience and ask your grace for the redundancy. If you did not receive the letter but would like to receive them in the future, send me your address, and I will put you on the list!
Dear Friends,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our newborn King! As we prepare our hearts for the miracle of Christmas, we pray that God’s abiding love is sustaining you and your family. This time of reflection reminds us how faithfully the Lord continues to guide and bless the ministry of the Lutheran Heritage Center, and we are deeply grateful by the ways He has worked through friends like you.
As we reflect on 2025, our hearts echo the psalmist’s words:
“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” —Psalm 145:4
Every day at the Museum, we see this truth come alive. The stories of faith, courage, and perseverance that began nearly two centuries ago still inspire us today. This year we give thanks for several milestones in our shared heritage: 115 years of the Perry County Lutheran Historical Society, 55 years of the Big School as a museum, 20 years of the Main Gallery, and 10 years of the Research Library—each a reminder of God’s steady faithfulness through the generations.
Sharing stories is what we do at the Museum. Whether greeting individual guests or hosting larger groups, we joyfully tell of God’s faithfulness to the people of Perry County. This year brought the blessing of welcoming 125 missionaries from Latin America and the Caribbean and nearly 100 Concordia Publishing House employees. God’s faithfulness was evident throughout this year’s conference, Origins: Sailing, Survival & Settlement, as we explored how He carried the early settlers through hardship and established a foundation of faith for generations.
We also celebrated with gratitude as Lynn Degenhardt received a commendation from Concordia Historical Institute recognizing his extraordinary work on the German Family Tree Project, a monumental effort that continues to bless genealogists and families across the globe. Speaking of sharing stories, Warren Schmidt continues to write a daily blog (except when I take over on Fridays) that recently surpassed 3250 posts and will celebrate its 10th anniversary early next year.
Friends, your partnership makes this possible. Through your prayers, volunteer service, and financial gifts, you help us proclaim the story of God’s faithfulness through generations. This past year, your gifts allowed us to complete much-needed renovations to the canopy that protects the Log Cabin College. As you consider your year-end giving, please prayerfully include the Lutheran Heritage Center & Museum in your plans. Your gift ensures that future generations will continue to hear and tell these stories of faith. Please see the enclosed sheet for information on donations. If you are unable to contribute financially at this time, please know that your prayers are just as valuable to us. We appreciate your continued support in whatever form it takes.
Denise Hellwege, Director On behalf of the Perry County Lutheran Historical Society Board of Directors, Staff & Volunteers
If you would like to be a part of our “Gesellschaft,” which to us means that you are giving a one-time or ongoing regular gift to our general fund, you may do so here: https://square.link/u/xTx45NuF.
This year’s “Special Project” is a much-needed landscaping project that will enhance the beauty of the Lutheran Heritage Center grounds. Thoughtful landscaping will provide a more welcoming entrance for guests, improve drainage, and create peaceful outdoor spaces. Your support will allow us to move forward responsibly and steward our campus for the generations who will come here to learn, remember, and celebrate their heritage. If you would like to donate to this, you may do so here: https://square.link/u/Fk5DV0mL