Pastor

Hello, I am the Rev. Bill Utke and I want to welcome you to Emanuel Church's home on the web. I hold a strong belief that church can be both edifying and jubilant. God's Spirit works through tears and laughter, sorrow and joy. I want everyone who attends Emanuel to experience a Church that reflects this.

The gift of faith can fill our lives with purpose and meaning in joyful ways. This is why the Children's time in worship is often interactive or participatory. This is why we sing a blend of old hymns, praise songs, multicultural music and hear different instruments from time to time. This church, while we honor traditions, remains open to new and creative expressions of faith in worship and congregational life.

I was ordained in 1993 and have served in a variety of church settings. In August of 2007 I was called as Pastor at Emanuel Church. What a treasure! Here I have met Christians who love each other, grow in their faith, and are dedicated to ministry in Christ's name.

I am married to Rev. Ann Utke and we live in the Bay View neighborhood, city of Milwaukee. Ann and I have been in Milwaukee since 2001, moving here from the greater Detroit area. On my free time my wife and I enjoy traveling, attending live music, dining out, sharing time with friends and family, among other things. I am interested in Sports, old homes, automobiles, and I love to read in areas of politics and faith.

I hope you will see this website as a way to learn about us and feel encouraged to come visit us. I am deeply grateful to be in ministry with the people of Emanuel Church and I believe you will be too.

Peace
Rev. Bill Utke