MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2025
There’s a moment in Scripture that captures the
heart of what’s next for Woodbury Lutheran
Church. Jesus calls His disciples to go deeper—
to trust Him, to let down their nets, and to
believe that something miraculous is about to
happen. That’s exactly where we �nd ourselves
today.
God is calling us to go deeper. Deeper in faith.
Deeper in trust. Deeper in mission.
And so, we cast the nets.
At Woodbury Lutheran, our vision is bold but
simple: By 2039, we will have a WLC campus
within reach of everyone in the Twin Ci�es (we
think this will mean 8-10 total WLC campuses).
We believe this is the �me to move. The mission
is clear. There are 3.7 million people in the
Twin Ci�es metro, and more than half do not
know Jesus. Meanwhile, the LCMS landscape
is rapidly shi�ing. More churches are closing
than opening. Pastors are re�ring faster than
they’re being raised up. And yet, we believe
that churches like WLC—Jesus-focused and
Bible-based, passionately generous, and large
but small—have the poten�al to bring life and
light to our ci�es.
By the end of 2027... Through the power of the
Holy Spirit, and with hearts open to wherever
He leads, we are trus�ng God to:
• Increase our base of core and commi�ed
disciples to 750.
• Celebrate 500 [Disciple] LIFE Experience
alumni—disciples equipped and ready to
mul�ply new disciples.
• Build a strong intern pipeline and invest in
a clear process for mul�plying pastors and
other sta�
• Have �ve WLC loca�ons in opera�on and
be ready to launch a sixth.
• Remodel all our current campuses into
welcoming ‘living rooms’ where discipleship,
worship, and mission thrive.
• Fund transforma�ve mission impact, both
locally and globally.
This is not just a dream. It’s already in mo�on.
Why now?
This is a movement of prayer, of generosity,
and of bold steps. This is about joining Jesus
where He is already at work and saying, “Here
I am, send me.”
"Now go out where it is deeper,
and let down your nets
to catch some �sh."
—Luke 5:4
INSIDE
@woodburylutheran
Vol.2 :: No. 2
Together, we will cast the nets.
We are all invited into the journey because the
future of WLC is not a building or an ini�a�ve. It’s
a movement of people transformed by Jesus and
sent to transform the world.
Because the hope we have is too good to keep to
ourselves.
Let’s go out where it’s deeper. Let’s cast the nets.
Let’s trust Jesus for the catch.
Pastor Tom and Team
The Hope We Have
is T� G�d
to Ke� to Ourselv�!
SAVE THE DATES:
October 12: Launch Weekend
November 14: Advance Commitment Event
November 16: Commitment Sunday
December 7: Celebra�on Sunday
Page 4: Celebra�ng Preschool!
Page 6: Thank You,
Nancy Schubbe!
Page 7: NextGen Welcomes
Ryan Guthrie
Page 8: A Life of Over�ow:
Jessica Hamme�
Page 9: WLC’s Kitchen Band
Makes a Joyful Noise!
Page 10: Backpacks for Good
Update
by Sara Mulso and Phoebe Naidl | Preschool Director
Anchored in Love
Anchored in Love
As another preschool year comes to a
close, we can’t help but look back with
grateful hearts. What a year it’s been!
From the very �rst days of classroom
orienta�on in August to our joyful
family celebra�on in May, every moment has been
�lled with laughter, learning, and reminders that
we are each deeply known and loved by Jesus.
Throughout the year, we anchored ourselves to a
simple but powerful truth:
“Migh�er than the waves of the sea is His love for
me.” (Psalm 93:4)
Se�ng Sail in September
In September, our halls came to life again as
preschoolers eagerly (and some�mes a li�le
nervously!) stepped into new rou�nes. It didn’t
take long for those �rst-day ji�ers to turn into
smiles, friendships, and new con�dence. We
kicked o� extended learning programs and
spent our days building a strong founda�on. We
know that academics are important, but during
our �rst weeks together, we worked hard to
establish classrooms where children felt loved,
known, and safe. This community helps us build a
year of learning and growing together!
A Year of Growth, Joy, and Jesus’ Love at Woodbury Lutheran Preschool
Catching the Wind in Fall
Autumn was full of color, energy, and joy. As
the leaves changed, so did our preschoolers—
growing in independence, kindness, and faith.
One of our favorite fall ac�vi�es is our trip to the
apple orchard! We enjoyed our pumpkin par�es
and loved seeing our church sta� friends be part of
our fun. December brought a preschool favorite:
the Christmas Program! With joyful voices, our
kids reminded us of the best news of all—that
Jesus came for each one of us. What a gi� to hear
those simple, powerful truths through the hearts
of our li�les ones.
Naviga�ng the Winter Waters
A�er a res�ul winter break, we jumped into
January refreshed and ready to learn. January
brought fresh starts, new stories, and lots of play-
based learning. February o�ered another �me
to connect with families with Parent-Teacher
conferences, celebra�ng progress and partnering
together for each child’s growth. Winter is also
a �me for playing outside in the snow! Learning
con�nued to grow as children gained more and
more con�dence in preschool skills. We also had
an opportunity to share our love for Jesus with
the Valley Creek campus during a Lenten worship
service!
Disciple LIFE Magazine
Woodbury Lutheran
Preschool’s mission
is to share the love
and Good News of
Jesus Christ, while
providing children
and families with
excellence in early
education.
Spring Currents and Easter Joy
With the arrival of spring, we felt a fresh wind
�ll our sails. As the world bloomed outside, new
ideas, ques�ons, and laughter bloomed inside our
classrooms. We paused in April to re�ect on the
power of Easter—that Jesus’ love isn’t just strong,
it’s life-giving. That love carried us into May,
where children proudly presented their Spring
Programs and we celebrated all that they have
become. We also celebrated preschool bap�sms
and another fun �eld trip!
The Final Dock and a Grateful Goodbye
As we �nished our year, we also looked forward
to our end of the year celebra�on. We invited the
WLC community and past families and teachers
to celebrate so many things that have happened
at WLP over the past 55 years. It was a joyful
�me of re�ec�on, connec�on, and recogni�on.
From learning to zip coats and making �rst
friendships to discovering that Jesus loves them—
our preschoolers, this year and throughout the
years, have come so far on their journey.
Looking to the Horizon
We’re so thankful for each child, each family,
and each sta� member who made this year so
special. Whether your child is returning next year
or heading o� to new adventures, we hope this
truth stays with them: Jesus knows your name.
He calms your fears. And His love is deeper,
wider, and stronger than any wave.
Thank you for being part of our Woodbury
Lutheran Preschool family! We can’t wait to see
how God con�nues to write beau�ful stories in
the lives of these amazing kids!
“Migh�er than the waves of the sea is His love
for me.” (Psalm 93:4)
Disciple LIFE Magazine
This summer, we give thanks to God for Nancy
Schubbe and her remarkable 26 years of ministry
at Woodbury Lutheran Church! Since beginning
her journey at WLC in August 1998 as Nursery
Director, Nancy’s heart for kids and families has
shone brightly. Over the years, she has served
faithfully as Nursery Coordinator, Sunday School
Preschool Director, and most recently as Kids
Ministry Director, impac�ng countless lives with
her dedica�on.
Throughout her �me at WLC, Nancy has
demonstrated deep care for children and their
families. From planning worship bags and
special events to gree�ng families warmly on
Sunday mornings, she has been consistently
present. As Sara Mulso shared, Nancy’s care
goes beyond Sundays—she o�en checks in with
families throughout the week, helping keep their
faith journeys front and center. She’s also been
a tremendous support to sta�, regularly walking
the halls to check in, strengthen the rela�onship
between school and church, and bring lots of
encouragement (and incredible baked goods!) to
her teammates.
Nancy’s leadership has been marked by an
understanding of children’s needs—developmental,
emo�onal, physical, and spiritual. As Cindy Linert
re�ects, Nancy’s insight into the reali�es of
family life today helped her lead WLC’s Kids
Ministry with inten�on, o�ering strong curriculum,
resources, and a nurturing environment where
kids and parents could grow.
Jane Dibbern describes Nancy as being the “queen
of behind the scenes”—managing countless details
with great care so that hundreds of children and
families could experience God’s love. She faithfully
created emails, newsle�ers, texts, mailings,
and social media posts; tracked a�endance and
followed up when someone was missing; knew
each child’s allergies and special needs; sani�zed
nurseries before and a�er events; and con�nually
did the challenging work of coordina�ng faithful
volunteers to serve. She did all of it prayerfully,
taking to heart Jesus’ words: “Let the li�le children
come to me, for such belongs the kingdom of
heaven.”
Some of the sweetest memories from Nancy’s
years of ministry come from her visits to preschool
chapel, where “Miss Nancy” and “Miss Cindy”
would bring big puppets to tell Bible stories. As
Dorothy Blaisdell remembers, there was always
excitement and lots of smiles as Nancy made the
love of Jesus come alive with crea�vity and joy.
Through seasons of growth, transi�on, and
challenge—including the sta�ng shi�s that came
with service changes and the adjustments brought
on by a pandemic—Nancy led with perseverance,
faith, and grace. She has celebrated with families
in seasons of joy and stood beside them in seasons
of hardship, regularly li�ing others up in prayer.
Nancy’s ministry adventure is a beau�ful reminder
that God’s plans are o�en greater than our own.
Though her academic studies were in Business
and Poli�cal Science, the Lord led her into a life
of ministry that has blessed genera�ons of chil-
Faithful and full of
by Lindsey Schmidt | Director of NextGen
Celebra�ng Nancy Schubbe
Disciple LIFE Magazine
We’re excited to have Ryan Guthrie on
the NextGen team, serving at our Oak Hill
campus! Ryan, a Concordia St. Paul grad
in Chris�an Ministry, brings a heart for
families and a deep care for others that
has been shaped by years of suppor�ng
adults with intellectual and developmental
disabili�es. He and his wife Sam, along with
their son August, are eagerly awai�ng the
arrival of their second son this June — just
in �me for their 10th wedding anniversary!
Currently serving part-�me leading our
Oak Hill Kids Ministry, Ryan will transi�on
to more hours over the summer and more
fully into Oak Hill NextGen leadership.
Ryan is excited to connect with families,
support children’s faith journeys, and grow
alongside the Oak Hill community. Be sure
to say hello and help us give him a warm
WLC welcome!
NextGen Welcomes
NextGen Welcomes
ryan guth�e!
ryan guth�e!
t�nk y�,
t�nk y�,
nancy!
nancy!
dren and families at WLC. Watching faith “click”
for a child, cheering on youth who grew up to
serve, and celebra�ng ministry milestones across
campuses—these are the moments that marked
her decades of service.
Nancy, thank you for the way you have loved,
served, and led. Your faithfulness has made an
eternal impact, and we are grateful. We pray
God’s richest blessings over you as you step into
this next chapter—and the sta� hopes you’ll s�ll
show up now and then with those incredible
baked treats!
With love and gra�tude,
Your WLC Family
Disciple LIFE Magazine
OVERFLOW
When love for Jesus
spills out into everything!
“That’s how it is with God’s love,
Once you’ve experienced it.
You spread His love to everyone,
You want to pass it on.”
— Chorus from “Pass It On” by Kurt Kaiser
This classic camp�re song has resonated with
followers of Jesus for decades. Its simple yet
profound message reminds us that once we’ve
experienced the love of God, we are transformed—
and moved—to share that love with others.
Jessica
Hamme�,
a
long�me
member
of
Woodbury Lutheran, lives out this message with
joy and enthusiasm. A regular at the 9:00 a.m.
Faith & Friends class and the 10:30 a.m. service at
the Valley Creek campus, Jessica loves Jesus. And
just like her favorite song, “Pass It On,” she eagerly
shares His love with everyone around her.
When asked what she loves most about WLC,
Jessica didn’t hesitate: seeing her friends in
Sunday School and worship, and learning more
about Jesus through Bible stories. Her love for
Jesus has naturally led her to invite others to
experience church alongside her. Over the years,
she’s brought friends like Heidi, Zach, and Chris
to Sunday School and worship—and she’s not
slowing down. “I try to invite a lot more people,”
she says. Always on the lookout, Jessica has a
heart that sees everyone as a poten�al friend—
and someone Jesus loves.
Jessica is also an enthusias�c par�cipant in
WLC’s Disability Ministry events throughout
the year. Whether it’s the Christmas party, the
Easter celebra�on, or Valen�ne’s dance, you can
count on her to be there—not just a�ending, but
also serving. Jessica has helped set out cookies,
assisted guests with drinks, and even read
the Scripture during the devo�onal �me. Her
willingness to help wherever needed is a blessing
to many.
But Jessica’s heart for serving doesn’t stop there.
When asked about what she’d like to do next,
she said, “I would like to do what Ma� does”—
referring to Ma� Jorgensen, who hands out
bulle�ns on Sunday mornings—“and maybe be a
greeter some�me, too.”
Jessica’s life is a living tes�mony to the message
of “Pass It On.” Whether it’s invi�ng friends to
church, serving joyfully at events, or dreaming
about new ways to help, her love for Jesus shines
through. And she wants others to know: Jesus
loves them too.
If you haven’t met Jessica yet, don’t miss the
pportunity. Join her in worship, volunteer at a
Disability Ministry event, or simply say hello.
Jessica has many friends—but there’s always
room for more.
by Pastor Tim Marshall | Pastoral Care Ministries
To learn more about Disability Ministry and how
you or a loved one can get involved, contact
Pastor Tim at marshallt@wlc.church.
Disciple LIFE Magazine
Have you ever heard music played on teapots,
washboards, and wooden spoons? You have if
you’ve experienced the delight of Woodbury
Lutheran’s Kitchen Band! This one-of-a-kind
group of women brings joy and laughter to care
centers and nursing homes throughout the area
with a musical experience that’s as heartwarming
as it is unexpected.
Dressed in vintage aprons to honor the
genera�ons before them, the Kitchen Band
performs familiar tunes using everyday kitchen
items, utensils, and teapots! Their whimsical
approach brings comfort, nostalgia, and lots of
smiles.
Comments from those who were treated to the
Kitchen Band’s musical display say it best:
“They treated us to the quirky and surprisingly
The Joyful Noise of the
beau�ful music created by kitchen gadgets!
Everyone enjoyed them—it was so fun to
watch!”
“The room was full, and you couldn’t help but
smile!”
"How fun it was to watch them as they
played—everyone enjoyed them."
Wherever they go, the Kitchen Band �lls rooms
with music, laughter, and warm memories. It’s a
beau�ful example of how God can use even the
simplest things to bring hope and connec�on.
Do you remember your mother or grandmother
wearing a special apron? Maybe it’s �me to pull
it out, grab a wooden spoon, and make some
joyful noise of your own!
Kitch� Band
Disciple LIFE Magazine
For the past six years, Woodbury Lutheran Church
has partnered with Together for Good (TFG)—a
Saint Paul-based organiza�on providing care and
support for families in crisis. One of the most
tangible ways we’ve stepped in to serve is through
Backpacks for Good.
These backpacks, packed by WLC members, are
given to children entering the foster care system—
o�ering not just essen�als, but a message of love,
dignity, and hope.
Here’s just one example from TFG:
“Two backpacks were recently delivered
to a new foster mom who works at a
daycare in East Saint Paul, and another to
an eight-year-old boy with au�sm recently
placed with a new family. These simple gi�s
brought comfort and encouragement in a
tough moment.”
Backpacks �r
GOOD!
A Simple Gift
That Speaks Volumes
Exci�ng Update!
This year, the Focus on the Family “Wait No More”
program will provide 30 inch du�e bags with a
stu�ed animal and an age-appropriate Bible to kids
and youth in the foster care system. These du�es
will be available for our WLC community to �ll—free
of charge!—as part of our December outreach. Each
bag will come with a packing list, and we’ll share
more details later this year.
Thank you, Woodbury Lutheran, for con�nuing to
love and serve kids in crisis with grace, truth, and
prac�cal support.
“Last week, we delivered some
more backpacks to the county,
since they were reques�ng
[backpacks for younger ages].
The social worker just got back
to me wan�ng to thank
Woodbury Lutheran for making
such beau�ful gi�s for the
foster children. Thank you again!
-Theresa, Together for Good
10
Disciple LIFE Magazine