Calvary Lutheran Church purchases home from Peace Lutheran Church

Calvary Lutheran Church is preparing to expand its ability to “love your neighbor” as Jesus taught.

Peace Lutheran Church was preparing to sell property used as a parsonage. Calvary was considering the possibility of updating the kitchen and wondering how the church could enlarge the fellowship area.

“The monthly community meals we offer during the

school year are growing,” said Pastor Jennifer Sosinski. “There were several months we served over 180 guests — mostly families with young children and the elderly, but a few church members too. Our gourmet meals are delicious and the welcoming atmosphere draws people in. Realizing there isn’t a community meal in Antigo, we saw this as a true need: kindness without an agenda, and it’s been very well received.”

Since the beginning of the community meal two years ago, over 2,700 meals have been served at Calvary.

Calvary learned Peace Lutheran Church was placing the property next door for sale. The possibility of purchase was presented to members at the January annual church meeting by council President Angie Close.

When the house was put on the market at the end of April there wasn’t time to hold another meeting. The house sold within 3 days.

“I was a little disappointed.” Sosinski said. “But my office faces the property. I would stand at the window and pray, just like I did before the property was sold. I talk about trusting God on Sundays, and this was a chance to practice what I preach.

“I even emailed council members to start a welcome basket gathering gifts for our soon-to-be neighbors.”

Ultimately, the original purchase fell through. Calvary called a membership meeting and the vote to purchase was unanimous.

“It gave me goosebumps,” Peace Lutheran member Darrell McDougal said at the closing. “As a realtor, I just don’t see this happening. It was meant to be.”

Peace MMT Peace Lutheran President Dan Hones expressed happiness in Calvary’s ability to purchase the property knowing the expansion will be used to serve the community more effectively.

“Phase 1 for Calvary was to purchase the property,” said Sosinski. “Phase 2 will come as God provides. I am so thankful for the blessing of being Pastor of the Kindred Lutheran Parish (Calvary in Antigo, and St John’s in Birnamwood). I can’t wait to see what happens next! I might happy-dance my way into service on Sunday, wouldn’t you?”