Faith and Community - Our Saviors Lutheran Church

Pastor Patrick Keen of Our Savior's Lutheran Church (OSLC) brings a wealth of experience from Louisiana. Over the past year he has increased the church's congregation, a very commendable achievement as many churches in urbans areas are in decline. Born in Chicago, the humble and smiling pastor has served urban parishes throughout his career, with his last service at a church in New Orleans. He has settled into Milwaukee over the last year and half, and has quietly make a difference.

How did he do it? He has developed new relationships and partnerships to respond to current issues. Showcasing ministry through individual members and relevant events, such as the weekend celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the national Revival tour, and the successful Trunk or Treat event for neighborhood children and schools last fall. Visit the church website to learn more about their events at www.oslcmilw.org.

The future visions Pastor Keen has for his parish are sustaining and growing the positive history of OSLC, and eventually partnering with additional organizations who practice “excellence in ministry from the floor to the roof, inside and outside of the church”. Currently the church is home to the Central City Churches, Inc., an outreach ministry and food pantry. He looks forward to improved collaboration and coordination to help non-profits in the Near West Side leverage resources, reducing duplication of services, and allowing each organization to do what it does best.

Pastor Keen shared these and other thoughts at the Avenues West Association luncheon on Thursday, January 19. You can go to the Near West Side Partners Facebook page to see video of the panel discussion, “Faith and Community”.