Breaking the Chains Church-Greater Milwaukee Synod

02/26/2026

One of our founders, Joe Ellwanger was awarded The Mountaintop award by the University of Alabama. He narrates his experience in this video.

At the banquet, retired pastor Joseph Ellwanger received the Mountaintop Award. Ellwanger became involved in the civil rights movement, working with Dr. Mart...

02/22/2026

Happy 93th Birthday to one of our founders, Pastor Joe Ellwanger. Thank you Venus Williams for organizing this event, celebrating Black History Month and Pastor Ellwangers contributions.

02/15/2026

A poem for Joyce Ellwanger one of the founders of Breaking the Chains. The poem is long in honor of Joyce's long involvement in the justice movement.

She is Joe’s long time partner in life
Went beyond being a traditional wife
College in Kansas born in Missouri
The need of others always her worry

Did parish work walking Chicago hood
Visited families spreading the good
Met Joe at Chicago Lutheran meeting
Fell in love,over pizza they were eating

They wrote letters saw each occasionally
She was busy earning an education degree
She moved to Los Angeles to teach school wide
Called Joe he said “Let the Holy Spirit be your guide”

She got on the plane, disappointment in her heart
Next spring he flew to see her, couldn’t be apart
He proposed realizing she was his jewel
Only spent one year teaching at that school

She moved to Birmingham now a Pastor’s wife
They stayed together built a God centered life.
The spirit guided them to serve at St Paul’s,
Immersed in their congregation, civil rights their call.

Five months pregnant at concerned white protest
Joe didn’t want her to go,she was not scared of unrest.
Insisted her black neighbors come through front door
The southern back entrance was to be no more

Walked for groceries from her home
Police noticed her whiteness, why does she roam?
“Lady, are you lost? Do you need a ride somewhere?”
She said I live down the street pointed there.

She birthed two children while in Birmingham
Cared for the home while supporting her man
Two years later moved to Milwaukee up North
That is where their third child,a girl, came forth.

Joyce cooked for her family many years
Fed her family’s souls calmed their fears
Joyce said its ok to be afraid when fear is in sight
But never let it keep you from doing what is right.

Spent 36 years at Cross by Joe’s side
Children grew up with her as a guide.
With more time an activist in her own right
Prayer vigils for homicide victims part of her fight.

She protested human rights violations,
Punished with six months of incarceration
Jailed for Wisconsin trespassing in 2013
If she finds injustice she will intervene

Joyce understands the trauma of incarceration
Civil disobedience was one her life’s station
She worships at Felmers Chaney with compassion
Honoring the saint with the sinner in Lutheran fashion.

Joyce is an angel on both heaven and earth
Little angels in her choir observed her worth
Left Silhouettes of angels on Milwaukee streets
An angel of God her service repeats and repeats!

Pamela Gustafson February 1, 2026

02/07/2026

I see the spirit moving in the faces of the people attending our 10th Anniversay. God is good!

02/06/2026

Thank you for your presence as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Breaking the Chains Church. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

02/05/2026

Thank you to all who attended our 10th Anniversary! We honored Joyce and Joe Ellwanger two of our founders and still current steering committee members. They have blessed Breaking the Chains along with many other justice seeking organizations.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

01/20/2026

01/19/2026

Recently released,a member of Breaking the Chains Church, gives his testimony at Our Savior's Luther
Church in West Bend.

Milton is an alumni of Breaking the Chains Church. After being incarcerated for 25 years, he came home last November. He recently accompanied Pastor David w...

01/06/2026

This season, release the weight you were never meant to carry. You don’t have to change hearts or win arguments... just love well, listen deeply, and leave the rest to God. When love leads, the Holy Spirit does what only He can do. 🤍

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas from Outreach for Hope and our Ministry Partner ministries.This short video shares Christmas greetings from the people and places where hope ...

12/16/2025

A team effort to pack bags for the Kenosha Correctional center. We packed bags for 120 men and 25 staff.

12/16/2025

Christmas bag packing at St. Mary's in Kenosha.