In the News

Another Issue with Sex in the ELCA

A year ago, members of Zion Lutheran Church in Hummelstown, Pa., woke up to the news that their pastor had been arrested. The Rev. Alan Curtis Wenrich was charged with “patronizing prostitutes” and for solicitation of prostitutes, according to the police report. “He admitted his guilt to me,” Bishop B. Penrose Hoover recently told Pretty Good Lutherans. Hoover leads the ELCA’s Lower Susquehanna Synod in Pennsylvania. Soon after his arrest, Wenrich, who is married, resigned his post at the Hummelstown church. Yet he remains on the ELCA clergy roster. His status is listed as “on leave.” When asked why Wenrich is still a pastor, Hoover said: ”Because his misconduct did not rise to the level of sexual misconduct as we define it.... (more...)

January Letter to Pastors

Via lcms.org, here is Jerry Kieschnick’s pastoral letter to pastors of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod for January. January 27, 2010 Dear Brothers in Christ, Americans are giving generously for relief effort in the aftermath of the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. Donations have exceeded the amounts given immediately following the 2004 Asian tsunamis and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. In the first 10 days after the Haiti earthquake struck, more than $380 million was contributed to 35 U.S. non-profit groups, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Among the 35 is Lutheran World Relief, Baltimore, which reported $1.6 million in contributions for Haiti relief as of this past Friday. As of two days... (more...)

Coordination Among Lutheran Ministries

Via WordAlone NEWS RELEASE Jan. 27, 1010 For Information: WordAlone: Tom Walker, vice president. Email: thw1953@gmail.com. Cell: 712-389-1735 Lutheran CORE: Mark Chavez, director. Email: lcore@popp.net. Cell: 717-823-7739 LCMC: Bill Sullivan, service coordinator. Email: wtsullivan@sbcglobal.net. Cell: 734-788-2820 Leaders of Lutheran groups meet, pledge cooperation and support by Betsy Carlson, WordAlone editor MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Leaders of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ, Lutheran CORE and the WordAlone Network met jointly in a Minneapolis suburb in mid-January to discuss and coordinate their ministry to individuals and churches seeking biblical, confessional, Lutheran teaching and practice. The three groups were founded... (more...)

How have changes in the ELCA affected you?

Minnesota Public Radio is working on a project looking at the ways in which a change and a divide in the ELCA is affecting individuals, churches, and communities beyond them. What does the ELCA’s stance on homosexual clergy mean to you and your community? What changes have you observed in your church and community since the vote in August? What changes do you anticipate? You can respond to the survey HERE Read More →

Statement on Roe v. Wade

Statement issued for 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade January 20, 2010 Friday, January 22, marks the 37th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that altered how our nation had valued life for the previous 200 years. Abortion has caused nearly 51 million deaths since 1973, when medically assisted termination of a pregnancy was declared legal. Yet this solemn anniversary also gives us reason to hope as throngs of people will converge on our nation’s capital – as they have each of the past 37 years – to call for repeal of the Roe v. Wade decision. We thank the LCMS Lutherans who will join an anticipated crowd of more than 200,000 pro-life marchers on this day to worship, to pray, and to share with the nation the truth of God’s... (more...)

If God be for us, who can be against us?

The following sermon was delivered by Jaynan Clark, president of the WordAlone Network, at the Lutheran CORE Convocation at Fishers, Indiana in September, 2009. (via WordAlone) I would like everyone to pretend that this is my white card… and it’s my point of personal privilege, as the appointed preacher of the day. Hi, I’m Jaynan, and I’m a recovering CWA attendee. And we are all, in some sense, in a state of recovery, one that will affect our children, their children, and on, and on, without end. Over and over, year after year, we have heard the world is watching. What will be our witness? Well, we made it, and the world is not receiving it as the gospel truth, thank God for that. We’re all caught up in an ecclesial version of the... (more...)

Matching Funds for Donations to Haiti

A letter from LC-MS president Gerald B. Kieschnick Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It is with a grateful heart that I write this update regarding support for Haiti earthquake response. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans announced today a 50-percent matching gift – $1 for every $2 its members contribute – to Lutheran disaster relief agencies including LCMS World Relief and Human Care in St. Louis and Lutheran World Relief in Baltimore. Thrivent Financial has pledged to contribute as much as $1 million to this effort, which they are calling “Helping Haiti.” This campaign may generate $3 million for desperately needed earthquake relief efforts in Haiti – $1 million from Thrivent Financial added to $2 million or... (more...)

How has the economy affected churches?

A new report from the Barna Group asks the question, “How has the downturn affected churches and congregations?” Like many other sectors, pastors and church executives admit that churches are feeling the results of the economic pinch, though for most congregations ihas not been severe so far. Overall, 57% of pastors said the economy has negatively impacted their church over the last year. Still, only 8% of leaders said the effect was “very negative.” About one-third of leaders (35%) describe their churches as unaffected by the economy, while one of 11 churches (9%) defied the odds and described the last year as financially positive. Read the full report This is the first in a series of articles on the economy and the church,... (more...)

Recent Mission Stories at The Reporter Online

Catch up on these mission stories at the Reporter Online. Students at Concordia International School in Shanghai, China, recently unearthed a dinosaur fossil! Read more The International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg’s board members had a warm reception in meetings with Synod leaders in Tampa, Fla., in November. Read more In conjunction with the Wittenberg Project, the LCMS’ partner church in Germany is offering a weeklong camp to Lutheran teens and young adults next summer in Wittenberg, Germany. Learn more Recently, 114 participants attended the “Reaching Rural America for Christ” conference in rural Cole Camp, Mo. In formal and informal conversations, the attendees from 14 districts and national offices shared how... (more...)

History

We Plow the Fields

Here is a hymn for today from Matthias Claudius, who died on this day (Jan 21) in 1815 (b. August 15 1740). The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. (Matthew 13:38) We plow the fields, and scatter the good seed on the land, But it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand; He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain, The breezes and the sunshine,... (more...)

Albert Schweitzer

Theologian, musician, and philosopher Albert Schweitzer was born on this day (Jan 14) in 1875. Here is Schweitzer playing JS Bach’s Adagio BWV 564. And here are a few quotations. Read More →

On Christ’s Ascension Now I Build

Here is a hymn for today (Jan 11) from Joshua Wegelin, who was born in Augsburg on this day in 1604 (d. September 14 1640). On Christ’s ascension I now build The hope of my ascension; This hope alone has always stilled All doubt and apprehension; For where the head is, there as well I know his members are to dwell When Christ will come and call them. Since Christ returned to claim his throne, Great... (more...)

Olavus Petri

On the anniversary of Swedish reformer Olavus (Olaus) Petri’s birth in 1493, here is a note from the Lutheran calendar, along with ’s biography, Olavus Petri, Church Reformer of Sweden. Laurentius Petri, Archbishop of Uppsala Olavus Petri (born 1493) and his brother Laurentius (born 1499) were the principal leaders of the Lutheran movement in Sweden. Both studied at Wittenberg, where they... (more...)

The English Works of Wyclif

Today in 1384 English reformer John Wyclif (Wycliffe) died. Wycliffe's Bones Being Burnt in 1527 Here you can read The English Works of Wyclif. Read More →

The Rebel’s Guide to Joy

Here is a brief biography, and a few hymns, from Charles Wesley, who was born on this day (Dec. 18) in 1707 at Epworth Rectory, England (d. March 29 1788). Read More →

A Christian Home

Here is a hymn for today from Jean Sibelius, who was born on this day (Dec 8) in 1865 in Hämeenlinna, Finland (d. September 20 1957, Järvenpää). A Christian Home Barbara B. Hart, 1916 Jean Sibelius, 1865-1957 O give us homes built firm upon the Savior, Where Christ is Head and Counselor and Guide; Where ev’ry child is taught His love and favor And gives his heart to Christ, the crucified: How... (more...)

Ambrose of Milan

Today (December 7) marks the celebration of one of the most influential early Christian theologians, Ambrose of Milan. Born in Trier in A.D. 340, Ambrose was one of the four great Latin Doctors of the Church (with Augustine, Jerome and Gregory the Great). He was a prolific author of hymns, the most common of which is Veni, Redemptor gentium (“Savior of the Nations, Come”). His name is also associated... (more...)

From Every Stormy Wind That Blows

Here is a hymn for today from Hugh Stowell, who was born on this day (December 3) in 1799 at Douglas, Isle of Man. I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat. (Exodus 25:22) From every stormy wind that blows, From every swelling tide of woes, There is a calm, a sure retreat; ’Tis found beneath the mercy seat. There is a place where Jesus sheds The oil of gladness on our heads; A place... (more...)

Shall Thy Work Decay?

On this day in 1621, poet and cleric John Donne (1572–1631) was elected dean of Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London. … any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee. Here is one of Donne’s sonnets, “Thou hast made me, and shall thy work decay?” Thou hast made me, and shall thy work... (more...)

Battle Hymn of the Republic

Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. (Psalm 24:8) Today in 1861, abolitionist Julia Ward Howe (1819–1910) wrote “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” It was during the darkest days of the Civil War, and Howe on a visit to Washington was touring a local Union Army Camp on the Potomac in Virginia. Having heard the soldiers there singing a tribute to John... (more...)

The Council of Clermont

On this day in 1095, Pope Urban II opened the Council of Clermont, which was attended by both clerics and several laymen, who had been invited at Urban’s request. Urban’s speech given on the 27th of November marks the beginning point of the first crusade. In the version written by Fulcher of Chartres, the only recorder of several who is known actually to have been at the council, Urban... (more...)

Enslaved by Sin and Bound in Chains

Here is a hymn for today from Anne Steele, who died on this day in 1778 (b. May 1716). For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (I Peter 1:18-19) Enslaved by sin and bound in chains, Beneath its dreadful... (more...)

Luther’s Sermon On Infant Baptism

It was on this day in 1483 that Marin Luther was born in Eisleben, Germany (d. February 18 1546). In remembrance of his earthly birth, here is a sermon from Luther on the new birth through the death and resurrection of Christ. THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY III. THE DISCUSSION OF THE DOCTRINE OF PERSONAL FAITH AND THE FAITH OF OTHERS; ALSO, OF FAITH AND THE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN. “Lord, I am not... (more...)

Theology

The Method & Fruits of Justification

Mondays with Martin A sermon from Luther on that “first and chief article” of Christian faith. Note: Luther on his own method of preaching once remarked: “When I ascend the pulpit I see not heads, but imagine those that are before me to be all blocks. When I preach I sink myself deeply... (more...)

The Lord is Now My Shepherd True

Weekends with Bach BWV 112 Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt Misericordias Domini (Second Sunday after Easter). Wolfgang Meuslin, an imitation of Ps. 23, 1530; PT (Leipzig, 1731); Facs: Neumann T, p. 443. 1-5. Verses 1-5 of the hymn. 8 April 1731, Leipzig. BG 24; NBA I/11. 1. Chorus [Verse 1] (S, A,... (more...)

The Original Text of Holy Scripture

Franz Friday Via Pieper’s Dogmatics vol. 1, p.343-44 The Original Text of Holy Scripture and the Translations Since Scripture is intended for the use of all Christians, of what-ever station, sex, age, etc. (Deut. 6:6-9; Joshua 1:8; Is. 34:16; Neh. 8:2-8; 2 Kings 23:1-2; Luke 16:29ff.; John 5:39;... (more...)

The Glory of God

Thursdays with Iwand Via Iwand’s sermon, “The Loincloth” “Just as a man binds a loincloth about his loins – in the same way,” says God, “I have taken you to myself.” As a man takes his loincloth. And he includes what that means: “That they should... (more...)

Faith, Hope & Love

Wednesdays with Augustine Via Augustine’s Enchiridion, Chapters 3, 4, and 5 CHAP. 3.–GOD IS TO BE WORSHIPPED THROUGH FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE. Now if I should answer, that God is to be worshipped with faith, hope, and love, you will at once say that this answer is too brief, and will ask me... (more...)

Dead & Deadly

Tuesdays with Forde Via On Being a Theologian of the Cross, pp. 43-45 Thesis 8. By so much more are the orks of man mortal sins when they are done without fear and in unadulterated, evil self-security. If the works even of the righteous are not just venial but deadly sins when done without fear of God,... (more...)

On Giving Jesus Your Heart

Via Bo Giertz, The Hammer of God, pp. 122-123 Fridfeldt seated himself on the sofa. He felt that he must not put off confessing where he stood. This strange old man with his brandy and his soldiers should at least learn what kind of assistant he had gotten. “I just want you to know from the beginning,... (more...)

Faith, Care & Daily Occupations

Mondays with Martin Via volume IV:142-166 of The Sermons of Martin Luther, published by Baker Book House (Grand Rapids, MI, 1983). It was originally published in 1904 in English by Lutherans in All Lands (Minneapolis, MN), as The Precious and Sacred Writings of Martin Luther, vol. 13. The pagination... (more...)

Peter’s Miraculous Catch of Fishes

Mondays with Martin Via Luther’s Church Postil (1522), taken from volume IV:132-140 of The Sermons of Martin Luther, published by Baker Book House (Grand Rapids, MI, 1983). It was originally published in 1904 in English by Lutherans in All Lands (Minneapolis, MN), as The Precious and Sacred Writings... (more...)

Now Come the Gentiles’ Savior

Weekends with Bach "Paul in Athens" by Raphael (1515) BWV 62 Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland II First Sunday in Advent. Poet unknown. 1. Martin Luther, verse 1 of the German adaptation of Veni redemptor gentium, 1524 (Wackernagel, III, #16); 2. based loosely on verses 2-3; 3. based on verses... (more...)

Fellowship in Faith

Franz Friday Via “The Glorious Blessing of Brotherly Fellowship in Faith,” Thesis I All Christians are in inner, invisible fellowship with one another, because through the working of the Holy Spirit they altogether believe on Christ as their Savior and through this faith are bound together... (more...)

Grace, Forgiveness & Moses

Thursdays with Iwand Via The Righteousness of Faith according to Luther, p. 45-46 …wherever grace and forgiveness are proclaimed in the present tense, even in the Old Testament, the Gospel is present. For the Gospel does not bring a new conception of God, a new morality, or a new religion. Rather,... (more...)

True Wisdom

Wednesdays with Augustine Via Augustine’s Enchiridion, Chapters 1 & 2. The Enchiridion is among the latest books of Augustine. It was written after the death of Jerome, which occurred Sept. 30, 420; for he alludes in ch. 87 to Jerome “of blessed memory” (sanctoe memorioe Hieronymus... (more...)

Fear of God

Tuesdays with Forde Via On Being a Theologian of the Cross p. 42 Thesis 7. The works of the righteous would be mortal sins if they would not be feared as mortal sins by the righteous themselves out of pious fear of God. The point here is that when we have no fear of the Lord and we instead presume to... (more...)

Sermon on I Corinthians 13

Mondays with Martin Via Luther’s Church Postil, taken from volume VII:119-132 of The Sermons of Martin Luther, published by Baker Book House (Grand Rapids, MI). It was originally published in 1909 in English by The Luther Press (Minneapolis, MN), as Luther’s Epistle Sermons, vol. 2. The pagination... (more...)

The Evil Angels

Franz Friday Vai Pieper’s Dogmatics vol. 1, p. 510 The activity of the evil angels against the Church is portrayed fully in Scripture. According to Matt. 16:18 “the gates of hell” are continually waging war against the Church, and it is Christ alone who preserves the Church against... (more...)