Who Are We?

Nativity is a small, welcoming congregation rooted in the Gospel of God's reconciling work in Christ. We are dedicated to nurturing faith in this gospel through Word and Sacrament, committed to sharing this good news with the world, and moved by the Spirit’s promptings to serve others according to the gifts we have been give.

What to Expect in Worship

In our worship we follow the Lutheran liturgical tradition, as it has been faithfully handed down and thoughtfully adapted through the ages. That tradition includes observing the six seasons of the Church year (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost) and focusing on the biblical texts (from the Old and New Testaments) assigned to the Sundays of the Seasons. At the heart of our worship is always the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of Holy Communion. Through these “means of grace” we encounter Christ among us as he has promised. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mt 18:20).

Music is a vital part of our worship life

We chant parts of the liturgy—including the psalm—and sing a wide range of hymns, both ancient and modern, that enhance the message of the day’s readings and sermon. In the words of St. Augustine, “Those who sing pray twice.”

The Nativity Church Pipe Organ

The music at all Nativity Worship Services is let by the church’s wonderful Pipe Organ. The Verlinden Company built Nativity’s Pipe Organ in 1967 with three manuals and 24 ranks (3 keyboards and 24 sets of pipes). The organ currently contains twenty-nine ranks of pipes on three manuals for a total of 1944 pipes. The construction on this Verlinden Organ is first rate with all metal pipes including the swell reeds built by J.B. Meyer, manufacturer of metal organ pipes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Verlinden manufactured the wooden components and wooden pipes with the two blowers made by the Spencer Turbine Company.

Come as You Are

At Nativity, there's no dress code. Most people dress informally and comfortably, and you're welcome to come as you are. That also includes whatever state on mind you might be in. For Christ says “Come unto me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). We are also a pet-friendly parish—if your pet is able to maintain decorum in a group setting, they are warmly welcome to join you in worship.

Questions Are Always Welcome

If you’re new or simply curious, feel free to ask questions about how we worship, what we believe, how you might fit in, or anything else. The only inappropriate question is an unasked question. For just as God delights in hearing your questions and concerns, so do we.

You are invited to visit, worship, and grow with us. There is a place for you here.

Our Worship Leadership

Rev. Dr. Steven C. Kuhl

Pastor Steve is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who has served the church in various capacities since his ordination, 40 years ago, on May 13, 2024.

Although officially retired, he has entered into a relationship with us at Nativity Lutheran as our Consistent Supply Pastor. That means he will prea

Pastor Steve is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who has served the church in various capacities since his ordination, 40 years ago, on May 13, 2024.

Although officially retired, he has entered into a relationship with us at Nativity Lutheran as our Consistent Supply Pastor. That means he will preach and preside at our regular Sunday worship services, make pastoral visits to the home bound, give leadership to the Church Council, and be available for special congregational and pastoral needs as they arise.

After receiving a Bachelor’s (1975) and a Master’s Degree (1976) in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics from the University of Minnesota, Steve worked for two years at McDonnell Douglas Corporation in St. Louis. Discerning a call to ordained ministry, he pursued and received a M.Div. Degree from Christ Seminar-Seminex (St. Louis) in 1982 and subsequently received a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1992.

Throughout the course of his ministry Pr. Steve has served in both parish ministry and Higher Education settings. His previous parish experience includes service at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL (1984-1987), Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Mukwonago (1992-2002), WI, St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Greendale, WI (as an interim), Resurrection Episcopal in Mukwonago, WI (as a long-term supply priest) and most recently at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in South Milwaukee (2013-2023). With regard to Higher Education, Dr. Kuhl has taught at the rank of Associate Professor at St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee (2002-2006) and Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee (2007-2013),

In addition, Pastor Steve has served as President of the Board of Directors and as Executive Director for The Crossings Community, Inc., a nonprofit Christian educational ministry that is focused on helping clergy and lay to work together on “crossing faith in Christ with daily life.” (www.crossings.org) To that end, he has written numerous text studies and theological articles that are available on the Crossings website.

Steve resides in East Troy, WI with his wife Kelly, who is the Music Director, church organist and choir director at Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, and a music teacher in the Sharon Community Schools. They have two grown, married children, Joshua and Madalyn, and three grandchildren.

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Director of Music

Rev. Dr. Steven C. Kuhl

Dennis has had a lifelong love affair with the Pipe Organ, as a grade school student he practically memorized the “World Book Encyclopedia”

article on pipe organs.

Dennis was named Director of Music and Organist at Nativity Lutheran Church, Wauwatosa on September 1, 2010. On November 1, 2017, accepted the same position at Christ Lutheran

Dennis has had a lifelong love affair with the Pipe Organ, as a grade school student he practically memorized the “World Book Encyclopedia”

article on pipe organs.

Dennis was named Director of Music and Organist at Nativity Lutheran Church, Wauwatosa on September 1, 2010. On November 1, 2017, accepted the same position at Christ Lutheran Church in Jackson, Wisconsin and jointly serves both congregations.

Previously he served as Director of Music/Organist at Milwaukee’s historic Basilica of St. Josaphat, as well as numerous other Lutheran and Catholic Churches. In June of 1998 he played the dedicatory concert on the new Radanovich Pipe Organ in the chapel of “Our Lady of the Sioux” at St. Joseph’s School for Indian Children in Chamberlain, South Dakota. He also played the Miller Concert Organ in Milwaukee’s Uihlein Hall for a national gathering of the Supreme Council, 33º Masons. For eleven years Dennis was honored to be organist/choir director for the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin’s St. Patrick’s Mass at Milwaukee’s Historic St. Patrick’s Church.

Dennis loves gardening, restoring his old house and life with his cats, Barnabas Patrick, George Frederic and Gregory Basil.

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