Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Reformation Day Worship - 2010

Wednesday after Pentecost 22
October 27, 2010

The Lord be with you

The date for this coming Sunday is October 31. For those who do not know their Church history, this day is remembered as Halloween. For those who do know their Church history, October 31 is Reformation Day. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his now famous 95 Theses to the castle church door in Wittenberg, Germany. This was the accepted way to begin a theological debate on a topic. The topic was Indulgences. The debate never happened, at least formally. The debate did rage, though, informally. From this simple action the Reformation was sparked.

It is hard to overestimate the impact the Reformation. Its accent on the vernacular produced Bible translations which then had a profound norming impact on the languages. The desire to read the new Bible translations, as well as the wealth of other new religious material flowing from the printing presses, spurred literacy. Its understanding of the “priesthood of all believers” continues to vest all legitimate occupations with dignity. The duties of daily life were seen in a whole new light. Personally I very happy that the Reformation restored the idea that pastors can be married.

Of course the chief contribution of the Reformation was the rediscovery that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, and not by our good works. This was the pearl of great price that drove and shaped this movement of God’s. This is what we will be celebrating Sunday.

The appointed lessons for the day are: Revelation 14:6-7, Romans 3:19-28, and John 8:31-36. The sermon text is Romans 3:21-22 and the sermon is titled “Here I Stand.”

We will be having a special liturgy which will accent God’s activity throughout human history, but especially during the Reformation. Because of the special nature of the liturgy I cannot provide the regular information about the service. Some portions of the liturgy will be replaced historical quotes while other portions with hymns. We will be singing: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” “Kyrie – II,” “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus,” “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word,” “The Church’s One Foundation,” “Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us,” and “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

There are two well know arrangements of “A Mighty Fortress.” One was written by Martin Luther. Luther, of course, wrote the words and music to the hymn. The second is by the famous Lutheran musician JS Bach. Quite naturally both arrangements could be considered “Lutheran.” We will use Luther’s arrangement on Sunday. Somehow it just seems appropriate. The following video is of this engagement.




Preview of the Lessons
Revelation 14:6-7: This lesson, like the rest, is a traditional Reformation Day reading. In this reading from Revelation there is an “angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth …” Already in Luther’s lifetime, and for centuries after his death, identified this angel with Luther. Such enthusiastic supports were not completely wrong. It is not so much that this angel is Luther as it is that this angel is all who call the Church to repentance and faithfulness when the Church wanders from her Lord. Luther just happens to be one of those who, over the centuries, have issued the call. By-the-way, the word angel literally means “messenger.”

Romans 3:19-28: This was the passage Luther was struggling with when he had his “tower” experience (understood the Gospel). The key phrase was “the righteousness of God.” What does it mean? By God’s grace Luther discovered that it didn’t mean what he had be taught it meant.

John 8:31-36: One of the great rallying cries of the Reformation was “Sola Scriptura,” which means “Scripture Alone.” The Roman Church had lost sight of the Bible under all its traditions. Luther rediscovered the power of the Word of God. This passage speaks of that power, the power to set us free. No wonder Luther translated the Bible into the language of the common man.


Adult Bible Study

We continue our series “Puzzlers and Questions about the Bible.” The next question is, “Paul had the thorn in the flesh= (The things I don’t want to do I do, the want to do I don’t do …)?: The battle with the flesh:? The Bible says he who says he has no sin lies, but it also says be holy for I am holy.? Before we come to Christ we must acknowledge our sin but afterwards we walk in the spirit & don’t sin?” There is a lot to this question! Class begins at 9:00 AM. Everyone is invited.

Well, I hope to see you Sunday.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Worship for Pentecost 22 - 2010

Feast Day of St. James of Jerusalem, Brohter of Jesus and Martyr
Saturday after Pentecost 21
October 23, 2010

The Lord be with you

For those who do not know, I’ve had a very busy week. On Monday I married Kim Donaldson to Martha Slade. On Tuesday I left town for a Professional Church Workers conference in Richmond, VA. Because I was behind my regular maintained on my car, after the wedding reception I spent the rest of the afternoon getting my car ready for the drive and doing school work (more on that in a bit).

The conference was time well spent. I know Lamb of God will receive benefit from my time there. We had two main speakers, Dr. Jeff Gibbs and Dr. Bruce Hartung, both from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The general theme was “Holistic Redemption: The Mission of Jesus and His Church Today.” I can’t relate all the insights these two men of God shared. Here are just a few:

1. The ultimate hope for Christians is not a life as disembodied spirits, but the resurrection of the body on the Last Day. Death is a violent tearing apart of body and soul. At the return of Christ, soul and glorified body will be united for believers, and we will be what we were intended to be.

2. The number one mental health problem in America now is “Impulse Control.”

3. The “Kingdom” of God is the rule of God

4. Satan attacks pastors. If he can’t get at him directly, he will attack the pastor’s family. If he can’t get at his family, he will seek to get some “clergy killer” members into the congregation. If that doesn’t work, he will come at the pastor some other way. One thing is for sure, the devil will not give up.

Well I arrived back in Spartanburg Thursday around 5:00 PM. The problem for my schedule is that my new seminar at Gardner-Webb University (GWU) began Thursday at 9:00 AM. Fortunately I was excused, however I did send in a paper on the book we were discussing Thursday. I was working on it while at the conference and so was unable to attend everything.

Friday I was up at GWU for day two. The seminar is titled “The Ministry of Worship.” As GWU is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, you might expect a seminar on worship to accent the “Free Church” tradition. Surprisingly, it doesn’t seem to be doing this. While I’m sure the Free Church worship tradition will be explored, along with Charismatic, Pentecostal, “seeker-friendly,” and styles from around the world, it seems the major focus will be on the historical traditional western liturgical format. While the style and theological foundation may be new to my classmates (all Baptists), it will be right in my comfort zone.

Now you might be asking, Why is he going on and on about his week and not putting up his regular “worship notes”? The forgoing is just to explain why I’m not putting up my regular worship notes, which takes a little bit of thinking and composing, and why this post is today instead of last Thursday. What follows is a truncated edition of my regular post.

Tomorrow will be the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost. We will be using the first setting of the worship service (page 151). Our appointed lessons are: Genesis 4:1-15; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; and Luke 18:9-17. The sermon is titled “The Story of Cain and Able” and is based on the Genesis lesson. Our hymns will be “Father Most Holy,” LSB 504; “I Lay My Sins on Jesus” LSB 606; “Your Table I Approach” LSB 628; “Chief of Sinners Though I Be” LSB 611; “By All Your Saints in Warfare” LSB 518: 1, 27, 3; and “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” LSB 643. We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper. The question for our adult Bible class will be “Please explain the parable in Luke 5:36-39.” The study is titled “New and Improved.” It actually ties in very well with the sermon.

Well I’m going to end this with a joke I heard at the convention. There is a Halloween headstone decoration which has a profound Christian message about the resurrection of the dead. It is … “I’ll be back.”

Well, I hope to see you Sunday.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Come Let Us Play God

LUTHERAN LECTURE SERIES
Presents

COME LET US PLAY GOD

SESSION I – A LUTHERAN UNDERSTANDING OF ETHICS
The Mind of the Maker
Rev. John T. Pless—Professor, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fr. Wayne, IN

SESSION II—THE RIGHT TO LIVE
It is good that you are here
Dr. Robert Weise—Professor, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO

SESSION III—THE RIGHT TO DIE
The Considerate Hero
Dr. James Bachman—Dean of Graduate Studies—Christ College, Irvine, CA

SESSION IV—A BRAVE NEW WORLD
Welcome to the Promised Land
Dr. Mark Matters—Editor of LOGIA—Professor, Grand View University, Des Moines, IA

DATE: OCTOBER 30,2010
TIME: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
PLACE: AUGUSTANA LUTHERAN CHURCH, HICKORY, NC

SPONSORED BY: SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH
REV. RAY R. OHLENDORF
TAYLORSVILLE, NC

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Rev. Ray R. Ohlendorf
(828) 632-4863
revxpistos@charter.net

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Oktoberfest

The Lord be with you

St. John's Lutheran Church (ELCA) is having an old-time Oktoberfest Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010. The fun begins at 6:00 PM and will continue until 9:00 PM. There will be umpapa music, singing, dancing, and FOOD! The Food will be real bratwurst, real sauerkraut, real red cabbage, real potato salad and Black Forest Cake for dessert.

The cost is $6.00 a person, with no family being charged over $18.00.

Call 864-583-8167 for reservations.

St. John's is located at: 415 Pine St.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Worship for Pentecost 21 - 2010

Thursday after Pentecost 20
October 14, 2010

The Lord be with you

This coming Sunday is the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost. We will be using Matins (page 219) for our liturgy. The appointed lessons are Genesis 32:22-30; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5; and Luke 18:1-8. For the service of Matins, instead of using the appointed Introit for the Day we use the appointed Psalm for the Day and this coming Sunday that will be Psalm 121. The antiphon will be the first two verses. The sermon, titled “The Story of Jacob,” is based on the Old Testament lesson. The text will be Genesis 32:26. We have finished our learning of “How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord” (LSB 853) and are moving to another hymn our hymnal review committee recommended. That hymn is “Father Most Holy” (LSB 504). This will be our first hymn this Sunday, and we will sing it for the next four Sundays. The sermon hymn will be “By All Your Saints in Warfare” (LSB 517, verses 1, 4, and 3). The closing hymn will be “Amazing Grace” (LSB 744).

After the worship service we will have a voters’ meeting. A number of constitutional revisions for the LCMS were passed at the last Synod Convention. Before they can go into effect they have to be approved by two-thirds of the voting congregations in the Synod. Pastor will also be sharing some of the information he received at the last Circuit Counselors meeting that relates to changes in our Synod that were approved by the convention (how the Synod’s president is elected, the future of circuits, the economic condition of the synod, etc.). We will also hear about the meeting our leaders had with Rev. Bill Seaman and discuss which of the opportunities he has presented us with we would like to pursue.

The following vide is “Amazing Grace” from the Lutheran Warbler. This hymn was written by John Newton, a former slave trader who was instrumental in getting the slave trade abolished in the English Empire. It is somewhat autobiographical as he recognizes the amazing grace of God that saved him when he was nothing but a despicable, loathsome, dealer in human beings. While it is a great hymn for all of us, for we all have been saved by the amazing grace of God, it is especially poignant in reference to rascals like Jacob who are, perhaps more obviously to us, saved by God’s amazing grace.




Preview of the Lessons

Genesis 32:22-30: The stories of Jacob begin in Genesis 25 with the birth of him and his twin brother Esau. The stories of him and his family basically fill the rest of Genesis (with a special focus on Joseph in chapters 37, 39-47) ending with Jacob and his family moving to Egypt. This particular story is when Jacob wrestles with God and has his name changed to Israel. The story has often been used as a metaphor for “wrestling with God in prayer,” which explains why it has been coupled with our Gospel lesson. The sermon will actually cover, in a summery fashion, the entire life of Jacob and ask what we can learn about God’s grace from it.

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5: Paul continues his advice to the young pastor Timothy. He begins by encouraging Timothy to remain steadfast in what he has learned (3:14). Paul reminds him that this is the faith he has had since childhood (4:15). The Greek words translated “childhood” is brephous, which literally means “infancy” (so much for infants not being able to believe). This faith has been nurtured by the “sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Here we see the power of the Scriptures. The authority of Scripture is underscored next (3:16-17). It is God-breathed. This is one word in Greek and could also be translated as “God-Spirited.” In-other-words, the Holy Spirit is behind the Bible. It is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. The end result is equipping the saints. Paul then charges Timothy to always preach the word (4:1-2), in spite of the fact that many people who claim to be Christians will reject the pure word of God in favor of myths, lies, and others deceptions, in order to continue living according to their own fallen sinful desires (3-4). Timothy is to remain steadfast (4:5).

Luke 18:1-8: This is a short parable, the point of which is that we should “always … pray and not lose heart” (1). The argument runs this way; if a corrupt judge can be worn down and finally deliver justice, how much more can we expect the faithful, honest, loving and pure Lord to give justice to his elect? The final verse has puzzled/bothered many. In it Jesus seems to imply that, at the Second Coming, few will actually be Christians. This would dovetail with Paul’s warning to Timothy that the time will come when many abandon the truth in favor of lies and myths. We should notice that the words of Jesus are a question, not a statement. This question gets us wondering, drives us into the Scriptures, and makes each one of us desire to continue in what we have learned from the Scriptures and firmly believed (2 Timothy 3:14).

Sunday’s Collect
O Lord, almighty and everlasting God, You have commanded us to pray and have promised to hear us. Mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may direct and govern our hearts in all things that we may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of Your name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Gradual (Psalm 91:11; 103:1)
He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

Verse (Luke 18:1)
Alleluia. I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? Alleluia.

Psalm 121; antiphon: vv. 1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper;
the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The LORD will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.

Adult Bible Study

We continue our series “Puzzlers and Questions about the Bible.” The next question is “What is the ‘valley of decision’ in Joel 3:14?” Joel is only three chapters long so we will be able to examine the meaning of this quote in its historical as well as its biblical context. The study is named “The Valley of Decision.” Class begins at 9:00 AM. Everyone is invited.

LitWits

LitWits, our book club, will meet Sunday evening at 6:30, to discuss the book Dewey: The Small-Town Cat Who Touched the World. This book is a quick read and the library has several copies. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy an evening of literary reflection, based on our book (even if you haven’t read it). Some possible spin-off topics we might talk about include the impact libraries or pets have had in our own personal lives.

Well, I hope to see you Sunday.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert

Kings Mountain Cub Scout Trip

Thursday after Pentecost 20
October 14, 2010

The Lord be with you

This past Saturday Cub Scout Pack 1031 to a trip to Kings Mountain, where a critical battle in the Revelotionary War took place. It was a special day and there were reinactors all about. If you would like to see some pictures taken that day just check out the page on the blog dedicated to our cubs.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert

Friday, October 8, 2010

Do Not Call?

Friday after Pentecost 19
October 8, 2010

The Lord be with you

Okay, so this isn't a "spiritual" post, but you still might be interested.

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month … all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.

…. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222.
It is the National DO NOT CALL list It will only take a minute of your time.. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number. It takes about 20 seconds.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Worship for Pentecost 20

Commemoration of Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg, Pastor
Thursday after Pentecost 19
October 7, 2010

The Lord be with you

This coming Sunday is the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost. We will be using the third setting of the morning service (page 184) for our liturgy. We will be sharing the Lord’s Supper. The appointed lessons are Ruth 1:1-19a; 2 Timothy 2:1-13; and Luke 17:11-19. The sermon, titled “The Story of Ruth,” is based on the Old Testament lesson. The text will be Ruth 1:16. Our opening hymn will be the one we are learning, “How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord” (LSB 853). The sermon hymn will be “For All the Faithful Women” (LSB 855). The distributions hymns will be “O Lord, We Praise Thee” (LSB 617), “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (LSB 790), and “Come unto Me, Ye Weary’ (LSB 684). The closing hymn will be “Thine Forever, God of Love” (LSB 687).

This Sunday will also be recognized as District Ablaze Sunday. As far as the actual worship service goes, everything will be normal. However we will have visiting with us Deaconess Sally Hiller from the District office. You can see her profile and a picture of her I posted Monday, October 4, titled District Ablaze Sunday. Sally will be with us to share some of the exciting things that are happening around the District as we, together, reach out with the love of Jesus Christ. She will be given the Bible study hour (9:00 – 10 AM), and about five minutes at the end of the service. Then we will have a pot-luck luncheon, where people can get to know Sally in a casual setting, and maybe ask some more specific questions. I must say that Sally is a wonderful lady and it will be a pleasure for each of us to get to know her better.

The following video is of one of our distribution hymns, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (LSB 790). As far as visuals go, it is a static picture of Adam and God from the Sistine Chapel. There is no singing, only a pipe organ playing.






Preview of the Lessons

Ruth 1:1-19a: This is basically the prologue for the book of Ruth and sets the stage for all the action. The sermon will cover the entire book and so I don’t want to say much here. However verses 16-17 are often used at weddings. While the words are appropriate, it is worth remembers that these words are not about the relationship between a husband and wife in the contest of Ruth. Instead they are an expression of Ruth’s loyalty and commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi.

2 Timothy 2:1-13: This is Paul’s second letter of advice to the young pastor and close personal friend, Timothy. In verse 1 he reminds Timothy that his strength (and ours) flows from the grace of God that is in Christ Jesus. We are not self-powered, but Christ-powered. In verse 2 Paul reminds Timothy of his responsibility to train future pastors in the Gospel. Clearly Paul is planning for the long haul, indicating that those who thing the First-Century Church was expecting Christ to return any-old-day are mistaken. In verses 3-7 Paul reminds Timothy that being a pastor is no easy job. In verse 8 Paul returns to the heart and soul of the Christian Faith, “Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.” This is Paul’s Gospel, and it is the Gospel we still share. The crucified and risen Christ is the reason the Church is persecuted. People are willing to call Jesus many wonderful things, teacher, prophet, moral example, etc., but reject what he truly is, the crucified and risen Lord of all. Though this happens, the word of the Gospel is not bound (verse 9). He concludes this short section with a strong reminder that whatever we endure for the Lord, it will be worth it.

Luke 17:11-19: This is the story about how Jesus healed ten Lepers. Only one of them returned to Jesus to give him thanks, and that person was a “Samaritan.” Samaritans were typically despised by Jews, and vice versa. Jesus ends the section by commending the Samaritan’s faith. This is a foretaste of how the Gospel spread beyond the Jewish context. It also shows how missions of mercy can serve the spread of the Kingdom of God. The text has also often been used to underscore the place of gratitude to the Lord for our blessings. It is interesting that an animal will recognize and show gratitude to the person who feeds it, but we sophisticated people do not.

Sunday’s Collect
Almighty God, You show mercy to Your people in all their troubles. Grant us always to recognize Your goodness, give thanks for Your compassion, and praise Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Gradual (Psalm 91:11; 103:1)
He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

Verse (Luke 5:15)
Alleluia. Now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. Alleluia.

Introit (Psalm 34:2-4, 17; antiphon: Psalm 48:1)
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised
in the city of our God!
My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised
in the city of our God!

Adult Bible Study
As already indicated, we will be taking a break from our series "Puzzlers and Questions about the Bible." Sally Hiller will be sharing with us what is happening around the District as we all seek to reach out with the Gospel. Everyone is welcome.

Well, I hope to see you Sunday.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert

Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg, Pastor

Commemoration of Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg, Pastor
Thursday after Pentecost 19
October 7, 2010

The Lord be with you

Today is the Commemoration of Pfarrer Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg, a man who is sometimes called the Patriarch of American Lutheranism. He was born September 6, 1711, in Einbeck, Germany, and studied at Goettingen and at Halle. At this time Lutheranism, which had actually been in the New World for over a century, was badly disorganized. Three churches from Pennsylvania wrote to the University of Halle and requested a pastor. On September 6, 1741 the Rev. Dr. G. A. Francke responded by giving the call to the thirty-year-old Muhlenberg. Muhlenberg arrived in Charleston South Carolina on September 22, 1742 and would spend the rest of his life (45 years) in the American Colonies serving, not only the three Lutheran churches that called him, but through his travels and letters also Lutherans in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, South Carolina, and Georgia.

A titireless traveler, Muhlenberg helped to found many Lutheran congregations and was the guiding force behind the first Lutheran synod in North America, the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, founded in 1748. He valued the role of music in Lutheran worship (often serving as his own organist) and was also the guiding force in preparing the first American Lutheran liturgy (also in 1748). Muhlenberg is rememberd as a church leader, a journalist, a liturgist, and – above all – a pastor to the congregation in his charge. He died October 7, 1787, and is buried at Trappe, Pennsylvania. His Epitaph (in Latin) reads: “Who and what he was, future ages will know without a stone.” He left behind a large extended family and a lasting heritage: American Lutheranism.

A number of reprints of Muhlenberg' s Journals have been made over the years. One of his sons, John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, served as a general under George Washington in the War of Independence. Another, Frederick Augustus Conrad Muhlenberg, became a member of the Continental Congress, and first speaker of the House of Representatives. He was also the first person to sign the Bill of Rights.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

What is on Your Calendar?

Tuesday after Pentecost 19
October 5, 2010

The Lord be with you

Last week was a very busy week for me. I guess it was a foretaste of October because this entire month will also be very busy. One of the results of my packed calendar was that some of my regular posts were not posted, specifically three. Wednesday was the festival of St. Michael and All Angels. Thursday was the commemoration of Jerome, Translator of Holy Scripture. I try to post something about special days in the Church Year, knowing that secular calendars ignore all but the most prominent of them. Thursday I normally post information about the upcoming Sunday. We did have a worship service anyway. It was LWML Sunday for us, with a special liturgy and our ladies playing a prominent roll in the service (they ushered, did the children’s message, read the lessons, and so forth).

Calendars have an interesting way of shaping our thoughts, our memories. For example, if it wasn’t on my calendar I most likely would not remember that October 11 is Columbus Day. Some other dates that just might slip by you this year if they aren’t on your calendars might be Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 18), Groundhog Day (February 2), Chinese New Year (February 14), Presidents’ Day (February 15), St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), Secretary’s Day (April 21), Earth Day (April 22), Arbor Day (April 23), Cinco De Mayo (May 5), Armed Forces Day (May 15), Flag Day (June 14), Labor Day (September 6), Grandparents Day (September 12), United Nations Day (October 24), Veterans’ Day (November 11), Pearl Harbor Day (December 7), and Wright Brothers Day (December 17).

I would be willing to bet that some of the above dates (and many others on calanders around the world) would pass by completely unnoticed if they are not on your calendar; unless NPR did a special you happened to hear. But put it on the calendars and someone just might say, “Have a happy Wright Brothers Day.” Instantly you remember the story you were taught in school about the first powered flight.

The Liturgical Calendar used in the LC-MS, while possessing many more commemorations than it did in my childhood, is greatly paired down. By the time of Martin Luther (1483-1546) there were so many commemorations that each day of the year had at least three. Martin Luther, in his liturgical reforms, reduced the days to only those related to the Bible. In light of the long history of great saints that have lived since John penned Revelation (including Luther) and the great events God has worked in history (including the Reformation), Luther’s reduction of days to only biblical events and characters had no chance of remaining the norm. But the lasting effect of Luther’s reform of the Liturgical Calendar is to encourage us to consider well who and what is placed on it. The people and events commemorated on the LC-MS Liturgical Calendar are all well worth remembering.

That brings us full circle to calendars shaping our memories and thoughts. On February 14 your calendar can direct your thoughts to Chinese New Years or to Saint Valentine, a martyr for our Lord. On April 21 your calendar can turn your thoughts to Secretary’s Day or Saint Anselm of Canterbury, a great theologian of the past. On October 31 your calendar can get you thinking about Trick-or-Treaters, or the Reformation. On December 17 your calendar can get you to remember the Write Brothers or the prophet Daniel, along with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

How we shape our time has a real impact on how our time is shaped. What is on your calendar?

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert

Digital Painting of Martin Luther

Tuesday after Pentecost 19
October 5, 2010

The Lord be with you

In this video you can view the work of Martin Missfeldt as he makes a digital picture of the great reformer Martin Luther, while listening to Bach. It takes about two minutes.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert


Martin Luther reformer digital painting by Martin Missfeldt
Uploaded by Missfeldt. - Discover more animation and arts videos.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Work Day Workers Work Wonders

Monday after Pentecost 19
October 4, 2010

The Lord be with you

This past Saturday we had a work day at Lamb of God Lutheran. Joining us were members of Midway Baptist Church, most noticeably many of their youth. We are grateful for the wonderful work they did, and to our dear Lord Jesus who makes such cooperation possible by his grace.

What was accomplished? Just look at the pictures below, and you will know.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert






















District Ablaze Sunday

Monday after Pentecost 19
October 4, 2010

The Lord be with you

This coming Sunday, Pentecost 20, October 10, will be “District Ablaze Sunday.” I will post information about our worship service later this week. However I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Sally Hiller. Sally will be visiting with us Sunday and sharing what is happening around the district in reference to reaching out with the Gospel.

Sally Hiller serves Southeastern District, LCMS congregations, schools, and missions as the Executive Director for Congregational Outreach and District Operations. One of her priorities is lifting up the goal of 2.5 million faith sharing moments within the Southeastern District. As a result of this work, she is blessed to learn of the many ways individuals are sharing Jesus with others. Sally works with schools, disaster response and communications.

In addition to her work within the Southeastern District, she has participated on several Task Forces and Committees for the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, including LCMS Outreach Task Force, Urban Schools Task Force, and developing guidelines for Reduction in Force.

She and her husband, Chuck who is a high school teacher in Laurel MD rejoice in a growing family now numbering two daughters, two son-in-laws, and three grandsons. Quiet moments are spent gardening, puppetry, and enjoying being with family. Sally considers herself a scrapstorian and loves creating scrapbook pages to record the stories of family and faith.

A 1976 graduate of Valparaiso University from the Deaconess program, she served three congregations before being led to serve the Southeastern District in 1993. Sally completed a Master of Science in Administration through Trinity College, DC in 2001. She is a member at Ascension Lutheran Church in Landover Hills MD.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert

Reformation Polka

Monday after Pentecost 19
October 4, 2010

The Lord be with you

One of the pastors in my circuit suggests that we need a moment of levity before the grandeur and solemnity of Reformation Day, October 31. In that spirit I am posting “The Reformation Polka,” sung to the tune of "Supercalifragilistic-expialidocious." The words follow the video.




    When I was just ein junger Mann I studied canon law;
    While Erfurt was a challenge, it was just to please my Pa.
    Then came the storm, the lightning struck, I called upon Saint Anne,
    I shaved my head, I took my vows, an Augustinian! Oh...

    Chorus:
    Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation
    Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
    Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
    Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

    When Tetzel came near Wittenberg, St. Peter's profits soared,
    I wrote a little notice for the All Saints' Bull'tin board:
    "You cannot purchase merits, for we're justified by grace!
    Here's 95 more reasons, Brother Tetzel, in your face!" Oh...

    Chorus:
    Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation
    Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
    Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
    Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

    They loved my tracts, adored my wit, all were exempleror;
    The Pope, however, hauled me up before the Emperor.
    "Are these your books? Do you recant?" King Charles did demand,
    "I will not change my Diet, Sir, God help me here I stand!" Oh...

    Chorus:
    Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation -
    Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
    Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
    Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

    Duke Frederick took the Wise approach, responding to my words,
    By knighting "George" as hostage in the Kingdom of the Birds.
    Use Brother Martin's model if the languages you seek,
    Stay locked inside a castle with your Hebrew and your Greek! Oh...

    Chorus:
    Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation -
    Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
    Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
    Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

    Let's raise our steins and Concord Books while gathered in this place,
    And spread the word that 'catholic' is spelled with lower case;
    The Word remains unfettered when the Spirit gets his chance,
    So come on, Katy, drop your lute, and join us in our dance! Oh...

    Chorus:
    Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation -
    Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
    Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
    Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert

Meeting With Rev. Bill Seaman

Monday after Pentecost 19
October 4, 2010

The Lord be with you

This coming Wednesday, October 6, our Church Council and other interested members of Lamb of God will be meeting with Rev. Bill Seaman. The topic of discussion will be the future of Lamb of God and how the district might assist us. In an earlier post I listed the various services the District offers. The Church Council has voted on what we feel would be most helpful. The following is a list of which services received votes. They are identified in the same fashion as on the list previously posted. Once again, this gathering is open to the entire Lamb of God family.
    A) Evangelism = 4 votes
    B) Stewardship = 3 votes
    H) Nine Marks of a Mission Focused Congregation = 1 vote
    I) Twelve Keys to an Effective Church = 4 votes
    L) Demographics = 3 votes
    N) Discipleship = 1 vote
    P) Spiritual Life and Spiritual Disciplines = 2 vote
    Q) Spiritual Warfare = 2 votes
    R) Evolution and Creation = 2 votes
    S) Theological implications of evolution = 3 votes
    T) Congregational renewal = 6 votes
    U) Postmodernism = 4 votes
    V) Core Values = 1 vote
    Y) Assimilation = 5 votes
    9) Development and offering of “Training leaders for Outreach” = 1 vote
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert