Rev. John Roebke serves at Lamb of God Lutheran Church. CONTRIBUTED

Why I Love This Town

MADISON – Rev. John Roebke feels more at home in Madison than anywhere else he has ever lived.

“Truth is, I have more in common with you than my own extended family,” Roebke said. “Like many of you, I’ve had to frequently relocate my wife and children without much warning.”

Since 2008, Roebke has “had the privilege of shepherding the flock at Lamb of God Lutheran Church at 11716 County Line Road. Our doors are open to the community.”

He is glad that Lamb of God shares its building to “cast your vote in a presidential election, express your opinion at a homeowners’ association meeting or attended a Master Gardener graduation.”

“Military families are the backbone of this country. I’m humbled by their sacrifices and privileged to provide support for their spiritual needs,” Roebke said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to rub shoulders with people who have seen the world, who speak several languages and yet are salt of the earth.”

For the first decade of his ministry, Roebke served as a missionary in the Balkans. “I’ve logged a second decade serving churches in this country,” he said.

Last fall, more than 150 people visited Lamb of God’s campus for their Renaissance Faire. “Every Christmas, we host a German Service to honor our European roots,” Roebke said. The congregation also offers numerous children’s events and ministries year-round.

His wife Nancy teaches English at Calhoun Community College to adult learners from all over the world. “Nancy and I know from personal experience what it takes to learn a foreign language and how frustrating it can be to live in a foreign culture,” he said.

Both of their children were both born overseas. Their daughter Liliana, 18, is studying nursing at Calhoun. Daughter Chrissy, 16, is on the JROTC command staff at Columbia High School.

“Whether you see us eating at Chapala Mexican restaurant in the Publix shopping center on County Line or burning off the calories at Planet Fitness on U.S. 72, I hope you introduce yourself to me,” Roebke said. “I want to thank you for being a great neighbor.”