St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church October 2014 News for You. We bow our hearts to you and pray, We give you thanks for all you have done. Especially for the gift of Jesus your Son. For beauty in nature, Your glory we see For joy and health, friends and family, For daily provision, Your mercy and care. These are the blessings You graciously share. So today we offer this response of praise With a promise to follow You all of our days. Mary Fairchild Pastor: Rev. Bjoern Meinhardt Associate Pastor: Rev. Peter Lurvey Lay Minister: Teresa Peters St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 65 Walnut Street Winnipeg, MB R3G 1N9 Phone: 204 775-6477 Email: [email protected] Web Site: stpeterslutheran.ca Communion every second and fourth Sunday of the Month Pastor’s Message “We Tremble Not, Unmoved We Stand” (From: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, verse 3) A few weeks ago, I watched the biopic movie “Luther” (released in 2003) with actor Joseph Fiennes in the lead role of the Reformer of the Church. Maybe you have seen it. It's been a long time since I watched it the last time. The movie spans Martin Luther's life from his thunderstorm experience on 2 July 1505 after which he entered into an Augustinian monastery in Erfurt, to the Diet of Augsburg at which the adherents of the Reformation movement presented a statement of faith on 25 June 1530: the “Augsburg Confession.” As I was watching the movie, I started to wonder how people, who aren't familiar with Luther's life and the history of his time, might see the movie. Is the movie helpful to explain the Reformation? In its broad outline and sketches, yes. But I have to say, it is not an excellent movie. While one expects to find a number of inaccuracies in such a (history) movie, I wish that the producers and screenplay writers would have applied more faithfulness to the historical details and actual events: In one scene, Martin Luther – the student of the Bible – quotes from “Matthew chapter 16, verse 18,” but it wasn't until 1555 that the New Testament was divided into standard numbered verses. Another scene shows Luther preaching before he left for the Diet of Worms (1521). His preaching style was one that we would expect to find in many contemporary churches: Luther delivered his sermon while going up and down the aisle, instead of preaching from the pulpit. That same scene shows the members of the congregation sitting in pews. Pews were not (yet) common in churches at that time. People usually stood during the worship service! The introduction of pews into the church building was a result of Protestantism's focus on the sermon. The Peasants' War swept through the German territories in 1525. However, the movie makes us believe that the Peasants' War had already started when Luther was still in hiding at the Wartburg Castle, where he was kept in protective custody in 1521/22. There is no need, here, to come up with a concise list of anachronisms and other errors in the movie. I think there is a good side to these mistakes. While uncovering the inaccuracies in the movie, we open a door to explore and discuss the Reformation era in depth and in a way that the movie cannot. I think a refresher course is in place so that we can give proper tribute to Luther's life, theology, and achievements. For me, a – if not the – starting point for such a refresher course is Scripture. One of the key principles of the Reformation is the slogan sola Scriptura (Scripture alone). What we take for granted today, that we can readily read the Bible, didn't come naturally back in Luther's days. Luther's translation of the Bible was not the first one, but one that left a significant mark on and in history. Let us not only explore together Luther's life, views, and theology, but also the Bible, God's Word for us and book of faith. Details for upcoming Bible studies, both in English and German, are still pending and will be shared with you soon. May the Word of God continue to empower you to faithful and fruitful service. In Christ's name, Bjoern E. Meinhardt, Pastor Lucas Cranach, the Older: Reformation Altar in Wittenberg „So fürchten wir uns nicht so sehr …“ (Von: Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, Vers 3) Vor ein paar Wochen habe ich den Lutherfilm aus dem Jahre 2003 mit Joseph Fiennes in der Hauptrolle gesehen. Ich weiß nicht, ob ihr den Film schon mal gesehen habt. Ich habe ihn mir bereits einige Male angeschaut, gleichwohl das letzte Mal davor eine ganze Weile zurückliegt. Der Film beinhaltet im wesentlichen die Zeit des „jungen“ Martin Luthers. Er fängt mit dem Gewittererlebnis bei Stotternheim (am 2. Juli 1505) – und dem darauf folgenden Eintritt in das Augustinereremitenkloster in Erfurt – an und hört mit der Verlesung der „Confessio Augustana“ auf dem Reichstag zu Augsburg auf (25. Juni 1530). Beim Betrachten des Films fing ich an, zu überlegen, wie wohl Leute den Film beurteilen, die sich nur dunkel an die geschichtlichen Zusammenhänge erinnern. Hilft der Film, die Geschehnisse der Reformation anschaulich zu vermitteln? In groben Zügen, durchaus. Dennoch denke ich, dass der Film nicht sonderlich gut gelungen ist. Natürlich neigen Historienfilme dazu, nicht alle Einzelheiten akkurat wiederzugeben. Das hängt ja auch damit zusammen, dass man einen Spannungsbogen erzeugen und erzählen möchte. Trotzdem bin ich der Meinung, dass die Filmemacher etwas mehr Sorgfalt auf die korrekte Darstellung einiger geschichtlicher Zusammenhänge hätten verwenden sollen … ja, müssen. In einer Szene sollen wir uns beeindruckt zeigen von dem fleißigen Theologiestudenten Martin Luther, der ja ganz korrekt eine Stelle aus dem Neuen Testament zitiert, bis hin zur Versangabe. Bloß wurde die Verseinteilung des Neuen Testaments im Jahre 1555 vorgenommen … Sodann sieht man Martin Luther, wie er seine Predigt hält, bevor er sich auf den Weg zum Reichstag nach Worms machte. In gut neuzeitlicher Manier schreitet er dabei während des Predigens durch das Kirchenschiff, wo er doch natürlicherweise von der Kanzel aus gepredigt hätte. In derselben Szene sitzen die Gemeindeglieder auf Kirchenbänken. Zu dieser Zeit war es aber noch üblich, dass die Gemeinde während des Gottesdienstes stand! Sitzbänke sollten erst später im Kirchenraum Einzug halten, als nämlich die Predigt eine immer größere Stellung in protestantischen Gottesdiensten einnahm. Auch erweckt der Film den Eindruck, daß der Bauernaufstand nicht erst 1525 losging, sondern als Folge der Unordnung, die in den deutschen Landen Einzug hielt, als Luther in Schutzhaft auf der Wartburg in den Jahren 1521/22 verweilte. Der Teufel steckt, sozusagen, im Detail. Doch geht es mir bei der Auflistung dieser Anachronismen und geschichtlichen Unrichtigkeiten nicht darum, eine vollständige Liste vorzulegen. Diese Fehler haben ja auch eine gute Seite, als ihre Aufdeckung uns ins Gespräch über die eigentlichen historischen Abläufe bringen kann. Ganz nach dem Motto: wie war es denn wirklich? Das kann dazu führen, dass wir unser Wissen über die Reformationszeit und das Leben und Wirken Martin Luthers wieder auffrischen wollen. Dabei bietet es sich gewissermaßen an, mit der Bibel anzufangen. Eine der Kernaussagen der Reformation war ja der Ausspruch sola scriptura (also: die Schrift allein). Wir sollten uns aber vergegenwärtigen, wogegen Luther damals anzukämpfen hatte, womit er aber wesentlich dazu beitrug, dass wir heute die Bibelübersetzung als etwas Selbstverständliches hinnehmen können. Luther war zwar nicht der erste, der die Bibel übersetzte, dennoch wurde seine Übersetzung theologiegeschichtlich und auch für die Entwicklung der deutschen Schriftsprache bedeutsam. Ich bin dabei, Vorbereitungen für Bibelstunden auf Englisch und Deutsch zu treffen; die Einzelheiten folgen noch. Es wäre schön, und ich würde mich freuen, wenn wir uns dann gemeinsam auf eine Entdeckungsreise machen könnten, bei der wir nicht nur das Leben, die Ansichten, und die Theologie Luthers, sondern auch den Reichtum des Wortes Gottes für unsere Zeit und unser Leben (wieder)entdecken. Euer Pfarrer – Björn E. Meinhardt Canada versus Pastor Meinhardt By Gerhard Roehr When we called Pastor Meinhardt from his home in the United States, we knew that the Meinhardt family would be subject to Canadian Immigration Laws. Because pastors are granted a special immigration status, they can work in Canada for a 12 months period without becoming immigrants. As Pastor Meinhardt’s period expires next February, Michael Zacharias, Gerhard Roehr and the Meinhardt family met with the immigration lawyer Baerbel Langner (nee Gesell). At the last council meeting, our church council reviewed and agreed to fund the strategy documented in writing by the lawyer. These are the anticipated steps: Pastor Meinhardt is the lawyer’s client and our congregation is the supporting congregation. Pastor Meinhardt’s passport expires in July of 2015 but application for his work permit exemption will need to be extended to February 2016. Pastor Meinhardt will need to present himself at the German Consulate in Toronto to renew his passport. (Fingerprinting etc. required). Application for Pastor Meinhardt’s permanent residence will be made through the Provincial Nominee Program once the program re-opens, anticipated to be early next year. Pastor Meinhardt may have to take a Government imposed English language test. If approval from the Provincial Program has been received, application will be filed with the federal immigration office for assessment of his application with respect to criminal and medical in admissibility. (Gerhard’s Comment: I love this country, it is the Government that scares me.) -5- Unexpected changes to St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Council. On August 31, 2014, Ralf Oppitz handed in his resignation as church council president at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. At the September council meeting, Michael Zacharias was elected president for the remainder of the term (September 2014 – February 2015). Our new vice president for the remainder of the term is Christel Parkhill (September 2014 – February 2015). Gerhard Roehr has agreed to fill the vacant spot for the remainder of the term. (September 2014-February 2015) A thank you to Ralf for having served as council president, also a thank you to everybody who volunteer their time to commit to these important positions of leadership in our congregation and the larger church. New Digital Church Sign Our new external digital sign was installed in late September and should be up and running early/mid October. The old manual sign was not so easy to change during the long cold winter months. The new sign has a wireless connection to the office computer and the messages can be easily changed from there. We even have the ability to schedule messages months in advance. The sign itself is within 100 feet of a crosswalk, because of this we are limited to one message per 24 hour period and it cannot be a "moving" message. The “moving” message is not allowed so it does not distract drivers near the crosswalk. The sign will also dim down when it becomes dark outside so it is not too bright for the neighbours. Hope you all enjoy our new sign. -6- St. Peter’s Youth "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 We have a lot planned for the next few months!!! Make sure to read the “Dates to Remember” below, but there are a few events that I want to highlight!!! th Youth and Parent Information Evening: Wednesday September 17 at 7pm in the Sanctuary. Youth (including Confirmands), Parents, Junior Leaders and Leaders are asked to make themselves available to attend this meeting. Information about the fall gathering, fundraising, the national youth Gathering in Chicago, as well as other things will be discussed. German Lunch: This year the youth will be hosting our third Annual th German Meal, on Saturday November 15 . This year the Lunch will be at noon followed by Family Games, each station lead by a youth! Ticket will go on sale soon!!! Carpenter's Tools International: CTI Music Ministries is a community of young people who combine their common passion for music with their mutual desire to share the love of Christ. A group of these young adults will be joining us for the weekend of November 28th – November 30th. On the Friday night St. Peter’s will be hosting a youth evening, with dinner followed by a concert given by this ministry team. Youth from Joy Lutheran Church and Peace Lutheran Church will also be invited. Bring your friends to join us as well!! October 17th – 7:00 pm -10:00 pm – Corn Maze October 25th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Confirmation Class November 1st, Time TBA Band Practice November 2nd, 11:00 am – Family Sunday followed by Hot Lunch November 12th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm – German Lunch Prep November 14th, 6:30 – 9:30 pm – German Lunch Prep November 15th, 10:00 – Noon – German Lunch Prep November 15th, Noon, German Lunch November 22nd, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Confirmation Class November 28th, 6:30 pm Dinner & CTI Ministries Concert ***All dates, time and events are subject to change, please make sure Teresa has correct email addresses and phone numbers to keep you updated!!! Teresa Peters, Lay Minister, Home: 204.338.2440, [email protected] Did you ever make a Telephone Call on behalf of our congregation? By Gerhard Roehr On the occasion of our 85th Anniversary it has been decided to, once again, publish a picture directory with the history of our congregation. In order to accomplish this, members had to be telephoned to attend at the church at a specific time to have their picture taken. As it turned out, to telephone each member by a host of volunteers, provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with members and to listen to their positive comments, but also to listen to some unusual comments. We hope you too will enjoy some of the comments we received. -The little door leading to the parking lot should stay closed to prevent mice to come in. (Would those be church mice?) -This picture taken did not hurt at all. -I did not know we needed to dress up for that. -I don’t have anything nice to wear. -That’s too far to come from 25 km past this town in southern Manitoba, oh, I hear my son’s family will come, we will be there. -That’s what I look like? I need to get that fixed. -I don’t like the picture which was taken, I will supply my own picture and I will wear make-up from now on. -We will be happy to come any time, but I need to tell you that we eat supper punctually at 6:00 pm. The picture directory could be available in time for our February annual meeting. The book will include a number of interesting pages such as St. Peter’s history, pictures of pastors served and a record of current groups. Speaking of “church mice” we have had a four legged one since Easter. Seems this mouse knows exactly how to avoid getting caught using the good old conventional methods. ANY IDEAS (Gudrun Neeth) -8 The Oscar nominations go to: Many people volunteer time, talents and treasure to make this church a wonderful home and an expression of God’s mission. “Thanks” for: Communion Preparation; thank you to everyone who contributes of their time preparing, buying, and cleaning. Those who volunteer their services as assistants. Oil in Candl; thank you Mr.Klatt for your faithful service to keep the oil in the candles filled. Neighbourhood Barbeque; AGAIN, to all who participated in the preparation: setting up, taking down, purchasing all the supplies, our chefs Ralf and Jason. Thank you to everyone who attended to make this event a success. Clothing Extravaganza; Teresa, Lynn, Anita for all their guidance sorting the clothes. Everyone who came out to sort the clothing, quite the daunting task. Angie S. for making the signs. The event was well received by all. Organizing the photo shoot: Elli and Siegi for organizing and making sure all went well. Sabine, Frieda P., and Vivian for volunteering to call members. An opportunity to listen “ all the positive comments, but also to listen to some unusual comments”. Front door; Wolfgang fixing the lock on the front door. Please remember, if you know of someone who should be thanked and has not been mentioned do not hesitate to call the church office. We will keep a list and forward list to the editor. Having said this, thank you to everyone who prays for God’s continued grace for St. Peter’s ELC, the congregation and, especially Pastor Bjoern, Lynn and Solveig. NOVEMBER 2, Remember to set your clocks One hour BACK (FALL BACK) LOOKING AHEAD THANKSGIVING DINNER, Sunday, October 19, 5:00pm OUR YOUTH AT St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Invite you to their Third Annual German Luncheon Saturday, November 15 at 12:00 pm A fabulous “German” feast will be served, followed with a time of laughter, fun and games. Tickets will be available October 26 before and after the 11:00 AM service. Tickets are $25.00 each. November 28, Friday CTI Music Ministries Concert Young people who combine their common passion for music to share the love of Christ 6:30pm Dinner Concert to follow dinner Ten Commandments Study Sundays, November 9, 16, and 23 following 11:00am service Pot Luck Lunch Everyone is invited join in a three part study on the TEN COMMANDMENTS as understood by Martin Luther’s small and large catechism Classes will be led by Teresa Peters as part of her Theology Training Mid Week Advent Services Wednesday Evenings at 7:00pm Followed with Bible Study November 26 December 3 December 10 December17 -11- CONFIRMATION CLASS SCHEDULE Saturday, September 20 Saturday, October 25 Saturday, November 26 Wednesday, December 3 Wednesday, December 10 Wednesday, December 17 10:00am – 1:00pm 10:00am – 1:00pm 10:00am – 1:00pm 7:00pm – 8:30pm 7:00pm – 8:30pm 7:00pm – 8:30pm Help Needed Sunday Morning Worship assistance needed!! Reading, Ushering, Communion Assistants. If you can help please contact the office! Even if you have never helped please consider giving your gifts to God. THANK YOU -12-