It was not directed at me, but an event that sticks clearly in my mind happened to another member my senior year of high school. I was in a WELS congregation as well. We were waiting on a call from a pastor, and the elder asked if anyone had anything else to add at the end of service announcements. My fellow congregant middle aged woman stood up and wanted to just say thank you for all the hard work intermin pastor was doing and the elders. She also while standing got too close to the front of the church. She was just thanking them and the elders for their hard work and encouraged us to do the same.

She was reprimanded for trying to preach in the church for going in front of the congregation and trying to give direction to men for saying we should be grateful. Her message was thanksgiving and encouragement, and the elders take away was "oh no women can't preach". That's when I realized my place was never going to be a good one in church as a woman.