Schleif to be installed as pastor on April 19

The Rev. James Schleif will be installed as the pastor of First Congregational Church in Port Washington during a 2 p.m.  Sunday, April 19, service.

A fellowship gathering with light refreshments will follow the service.

Schleif has served the congregation in an interim role since March 1, 2025. 

In January 2026, members of the congregation voted to name him as their settled minister, a position he formally accepted on March 1.

A native of West Bend, Schleif grew up in a family that valued education and community involvement. He was active in Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, and graduated from West Bend East High School in 1975. 

Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power program, serving eight years as an electrician’s mate, including four years aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Philadelphia. He was honorably discharged in 1984 with the rank of petty officer first class.

Schleif spent 28 years in the commercial nuclear energy industry, including 16 years at the Point Beach Nuclear Plant as a licensed senior reactor operator. 

During this time, he also earned a bachelor of science degree in nuclear engineering and science and held leadership roles in operations and emergency management.

Schleif sensed a call to ministry in 2005 and enrolled at Chicago Theological Seminary in 2013. He began serving as a licensed student pastor in 2015 and was ordained in 2016, continuing ministry in local congregations.

In 2022, he became executive director of United Church Camps Inc., helping guide the organization through a period of transition and growth.

In 2025, Schleif stepped back from full-time leadership with the organization to return to congregational ministry at First Congregational Church.

He and his wife Beverly share a blended family of three children and five grandchildren. In their free time, they enjoy camping, biking, kayaking, cross-country skiing and spending time with family.

The church is at 131 N. Webster St.