The Scandal of Marriage Pastor

Transcription

1 The Scandal of Marriage Pastor Weinkauf Vicar Norton married under 2 years (shows up with a new baby); Vicar Castillero, married during vicarage; Vicar Sorenson married under 1 year upon arrival here; and now Vicar-elect Wendorff getting married 2 weeks before he begins serving here. Martin Luther and Katarina von Bora were married June 13, Of course, he is driven by love for her; also he said, he hoped to upset the Pope with his marriage. It sent shock waves around the world. If all the doctrinal disagreements weren t already enough, now there is no going back to Rome because of pastors getting married. Katie had escaped in an empty herring barrel from a community of nuns along with a number of her sisters. They had all found husbands after their arrival in Wittenberg. The church had forbidden priests to marry as a matter of church law for about 500 years previously. The Elector of Saxony, John, gave Martin and Katie the monastery in Wittenberg as their residence. The Luther family often had guests; people visiting the famous Martin and students attending the University of Wittenberg, where Luther was professor. Katie must have struggled to feed all the mouths that arrived at the dinner table to hear Luther deliver his famous table talks about everything from politics, to theology, to the local sewer system, to the Pope, to Muslim terrorism, etc. Then and now the pastor s wife is a very difficult vocation with many joys and burdens and crosses to bear not of her choosing. How dare any pope/man go beyond Scripture to create a new Law in God s name -to limit the most intimate creational gift of God that is found among spouses. Scripture is quite clear that marriage is a divine institution, commanded by God, given to humanity for the joy of man and woman together in this holy estate, and when it pleased God for the procreation of children. Martin and Katie had six children together during their more than 20 years. Martin would often call her Katie my rib. As God formed Eve from Adam s rib as they share a oneness and connection formed by God in their own marriage. The gospel was paramount in Martin and Katie s marriage, in daily forgiveness and absolution to each other, in their daily lives, at table, in devotions, at the bedside of dying children, as they labor for the Word of God. Martin brewed the theology and Katie was known to brew the best beer in Wittenberg. The scandal of it all, pastor s getting married for the first time since the 11th century. Ascension Day at Risen Savior Thursday, May 25 6:00 pm Meal provided; 7:00 pm Divine Service Recapturing a key liturgical feast in the Church, we (as many Lutheran and non- Lutheran Churches) will have a Service on the 40 th day of Easter, celebrating our Lord s Ascension. Many churches (like us in past years) transfer the feast to the coming 7 th Sunday of Easter. The Board of Elders approved restoring this Special Service. Perhaps in future years we add additional activities following the Service. There will not be a midweek Service on Wednesday May 24; and with Memorial Day the coming Monday, this is the last midweek Service until Sept. 6. Special Events: May 6 Spring planting May 20 Highway clean-up May 21 Quarterly Voter s Assembly & Congregation Potluck May 25, Thurs. Ascension 6 pm Meal 7 pm Divine Service risensaviorlcms.org Pastor Weinkauf cell pastor@risensaviorlcms.org Vicar Sorenson cell

2 Harvest Is Plentiful, Laborers Are Few Vicar Sorenson Then (Jesus) said to His disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest (Matt 9:37-38). This time of year is joyous in the church. At the end of April new vicars are assigned and first calls are given to men who have completed their Seminary training. Even churches who were not looking for a new vicar or a pastor rejoice at this time as the Lord is sending out laborers into His harvest. For us at Risen Savior, we rejoice as well that God is sending former Vicar Castillero out to a congregation and that He is bringing future Vicar Wendorff here. Yet, in the midst of this celebration, the church also heeds the warning of Christ. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Again this year, many churches who were seeking a vicar will not receive one. Many churches who were calling a pastor from the Seminaries will continue on without a faithful shepherd. For these churches, the words of Paul in Romans 10 ring all the louder in their ears: How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? This is not a temporary blip either. This is the reality of our fallen world. Faithful congregations continue on without having a man sent to preach to them. They do not receive the words of Christ spoken in the stead and by the command of a called and ordained pastor, a pastor who is sent specifically to shepherd them. So pray. Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Pray that God would continue to call faithful men into the office of the ministry. Pray that He would continue to uphold and strengthen our Seminaries as they teach these faithful men. Pray that the Lord of the harvest would also strengthen and uphold those pastors He has sent out already into the harvest. Pray for all the young men in our church who may be considering becoming pastors, encouraging them to consider being trained for the office. Finally, pray for those churches who do not have a pastor sent to them, that in due time God would send a laborer to them in His harvest field. New Vicar for Vicar-elect Carl Wendorff, 29, from Winthrop, MN, and also lived in Montana prior to the Seminary, will be installed as our 4 th Vicar on August 20. It is delayed as he is getting married to Theresa in St. Louis on August 5. She is 27, with a Master s degree in accounting from North Carolina and has been in the St. Louis area the last 4 years (originally from SE Iowa). As with the previous Vicars, we ll have a breakfast between Services and a gift-card shower to welcome the new Vicar and in this case, these newlyweds into the family of Risen Savior for the year.

3 Sunday School Kim Dunn, Board of Education New Classrooms construction to begin soon! Children will be singing at the 10:30 Service May 7. SAVE THE DATE: Vacation Bible School is planned for June The Board of Education and all those who wish to assist with VBS, please come to a meeting, 6:30 pm, May 24. Youth Group First Sunday of the month (usually); Food & activity, 6-8 pm Youth Group May 7, 6-8pm. Feel free to bring a friend. The initial Itinerary for Higher Things should be ready, we have 29 youth and 6 adults going; also May 7 with a great lesson by Vicar and another great activity. SEE YOU EVERY SUNDAY BEFORE/AFTER 9:15 AM. Stay up to date facebook.com/risensaviorlutheranyouth VBS June Dare to be Lutheran May 7 6:00 pm Women in Mission Chyleen Pauesick, President Have you wondered how Jodi makes all the beautiful signs and wall décor for our building? Now you can experience it with her. Join us on May 11th, 5:30 p.m, in the new fellowship hall, and Jodi will show us how it is done. Each of you attending will get to make a 5 square tile. The tiles will be furnished. Bring an exacto knife with a sharp blade, if you have one. Saturday May 11 5:30 pm Chyleen Pauesick has been elected as the President of the Kansas City Crossroads Zone. And save those Best Choice bar codes for us, please! If you have any gently used blankets or flannel sheets, we would appreciate them for use inside the quilts. Thank you. Men of Risen Savior Men s GameNight Next gathering May 26, 7 pm. All men of the congregation (and any friends), over 18, are welcome to come to our monthly Men s GameNight. This is a collegial time for men of the congregation to gather and enjoy a time of gregarious, godly behavior. Sometimes LIVE MUSIC, usually play cards, usually enjoy smoked meats, always have snacks and fine beverages. Usually 4 th Friday of the month May 26 7 pm

4 May 20 8 am Outreach Events Susan Eubanks, Board of Outreach Highway Clean-up Next one planned for May 20, Saturday, 8-10 am. Last time we had 8 people and it took only 2 hours! Great exercise too. Join the Board of Fellowship! We welcome all members of the congregation to join our Board that serves the social events of the congregation. We meet monthly on the 3 rd Tuesday at 6 pm to discuss upcoming events and delegate various tasks. Dedication of the New Parish Hall April 2, we celebrated the Rite of Dedication. Saturday, May 6 8:00 - Noon Outdoor Planting & Workday Susan Eubanks, gardener From 8:00 am Noon. All are welcome to come and get dirty. We will plant our annuals, do rock work and a few other outdoor plantings, and projects. We have some tools available but you are welcome to bring any from home.

5 Confirmation 2017 Back Row: Vicar, Caden Reeves, Peyton Reeves, Michael Renn, Erika Borgeson, Pastor Middle Row: Alex Radefeld, Brianna Renn, Harrison Byrd, Owen Byrd, Jacob Glaum, Front Row: Johnathan Newberry, Jett Hauk, Noa Clemons, Maddie Becker, Michael Savage Special thanks to: The Board of Fellowship for the Confirmation Reception. Chyleen Pausick for the white banners. Jodi Weinkauf for the banner stencils and designs.

6 Upcoming Events for the 500 th It s been 5 years since our last Church Photo Directory. Watch for details. Rev. Dr. Ziegler, Concordia Theological Seminary professor, one of the world s foremost Lutheran theologians (and also a German) will be here June 25! He will preach, lead Bible Class and be with us for the Book of Concord study. A Community Event will take place at the Kaufmann Center, October 15 A Flyer is posted on Church Bulletin board with other special happenings. The New Addition Edition - Risen Savior Cookbook Sharon Blankenship has graciously volunteered to organize a new cookbook for us. The new cookbook will have most previous recipes. Turn in your recipes ASAP. Weekly Bible Classes Sunday 9:15 Revelation Wednesday 10:00 am Minor Prophets Upcoming Divine Services [Hymn of the Day in bold] May 7 4 th SUNDAY OF EASTER The Crucified, Risen Lord Jesus Christ Is Our Good Shepherd; Acts 2:42 47; 1 Peter 2:19 25; John 10:1 10 Setting 2; Hymns: May 14 5 th SUNDAY OF EASTER Jesus Christ Is the Way, the Truth and the Life Acts 6:1 9; 7:2a, 51 60; 1 Peter 2:2 10; John 14:1 14 Setting 2: May 21 6 th SUNDAY OF EASTER Jesus Comforts Us with Preaching His Resurrection Acts 17:16 31; 1 Peter 3:13 22; John 14:15 21 Setting 2, Hymns: May 25 ASCENSION The Ascended Lord Is with Us Always in His Church Acts 1:1 11; Ephesians 1:15 23; Luke 24:44 53 Setting 2, Hymns: May 28 7 th SUNDAY OF EASTER Our Lord Is with Us in the Upper Room of His Church Acts 1:12 26; 1 Peter 4:12 19; 5:6 11; John 17:1 11 Setting 2, Hymns:

7 Congregation Potluck & Quarterly Voter s Assembly May 21 Congregation Potluck & Voter s Assembly LeRoy Scharnhorst, President Following the late service, May 21, all are invited to a congregational potluck, followed by the Voter s Assembly. Members last name: A-M: are asked to bring a side dish, salad, dessert, or bread item; N-Z: are asked to bring a main dish. The agenda will be available May 14. Any new business, reports, announcements, before the congregation need to be given to LeRoy Scharnhorst by May 11, as to be included in the agenda. Trail Life USA Pastor Trail Life USA is a Christian outdoor adventure, character, and leadership program for boys and young men. Trail Life USA organization was formed mostly by Eagle Scouts and scout leaders of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in 2013 following recent social changes with BSA practice. Nationwide this is the next largest organization to the BSA and growing. Following the request of a family at Risen Savior, of the possibility of Risen Savior hosting a chapter; this was reviewed by Pastor, then approved by the Board of Elders, and then approved by Church Council. Other LCMS congregations also have chartered Trail Life. The approval of a Trail Life chapter will be on the Voter s agenda for May 21. I encourage anyone interested to look into this at Traillifeusa.com. There is a FAQ tab there too. This is very similar to the Boy Scouts, but since it is charter within our ministry we will have 1 st amendment protection; that other churches who charter the BSA do not have and thus they must make public accommodations even of it disagrees with their beliefs. If approved by the Voter s the chaptering process would be completed, with a kick-off event in early September when scouting organization solicit participants. Cost of the program are paid by the participants. There would not be fundraising done on-site by Trail Life participants. The weekly evening use of the facility (like Monday evening) is needed. The leadership is from our congregation and those approved by Pastor. We would have the only Chapter in the area in which this Fall hundreds of boys in the surrounding school districts would receive s and flyers to be invited here to be a part of a Christian scouting organization. That will be significant. Maybe no other area boys/young men will come but this is a wonderful measure of our congregation in providing a service to our communities and for outreach. In addition to several families here who plan to participate, I think we will see many non-member children come. Perhaps God uses this for some families to become part of Risen Savior but the purpose of this is to provide a desired service for member families and service to our neighbor in scouting. Participants are not coming to learn about Baptism or being a Lutheran but the key objectives in the programs of Trail Life. If questions, or if you are interested in a leadership role (we need 5 position people if approved by the Voter s) please see Pastor.

8 Luther s friend and pastor who made Reformation theology practical for churches. June 24, April 20, 1558 Johannes Bugenhagen is famous for his role as the pastor at the Wittenberg city church, St. Mary s, which made him Martin Luther s pastor and confessor. Bugenhagen first encountered Luther s writings to refute them. Instead, Luther s words convinced Bugenhagen, who moved to Wittenberg to study in He embodied Luther s theology and was the first priest in Wittenberg to get married. In 1523 he became the pastor of St. Mary s and developed a close relationship with Luther. He performed the marriage of Luther and Katie in 1525 and preached at Luther s funeral in Bugenhagen, Luther, Justus Jonas and Philipp Melanchthon comprised the inner circle of the Wittenberg reformers. Bugenhagen sided with Luther against John Agricola on Christian freedom; was the first in Wittenberg to oppose Zwingli s theology of the Lord s Supper. Although Bugenhagen is most famous for his role as Luther s pastor, his lasting contribution is the way he applied Luther s theology as an administrator of churches in northern Germany and Scandinavia. Bugenhagen developed proper practices for individual churches and pastors to follow. He balanced the theological directives that defined the Reformation (e.g., justification by faith) with the ordinary practices necessary for the functioning of a healthy church. Bugenhagen published several church orders (Kirchenordnungen) which were copied and became manuals for Reformation churches. His church orders addressed practical elements of how rites should be established for weekly use. Luther s Prince and Protector Jan. 17, May 5, 1525 At the age of 22, Frederick the Wise assumed his father s title of elector of Saxony. The chief castle was in Torgau, but Frederick had other castles in Saxony, including Wittenberg, Coburg & Wartburg. These would be important landmarks in Luther s life. Frederick had more than 19,000 relics. He had been taught that venerating relics would aid in getting to heaven. He made his relics available to the public for this purpose. They served another use, though: they were a tourist attraction and moneymaker. He had been taught with indulgences, the practice of purchasing remission of sins. The idea was that Christ and the saints had accrued more good works than were necessary for their entrance into heaven. You could purchase an indulgence that would move some of the saints line of credit to your account and thus take some of the years off your sentence in purgatory. Frederick kept an open mind and listened to Luther s thoughts, which were based on Scripture. His motives may not have been purely theological, but instead more political. Luther s ideas fit well into Frederick s ideas of German nationalism, and protecting his young monk/professor was beneficial to both parties. To ensure his safety, Frederick arranged to have Luther kidnapped and hidden in the Wartburg castle after the Diet of Worms, at which Luther refused to recant. Frederick was respected amongst princes and popes for his wisdom. This respect was possibly a reason that other nobility listened to and supported Luther s ideas at the Diet of Augsburg. At the end of his life, Frederick, who never openly renounced being Roman Catholic, he did worshipped as a Lutheran until his death.

9

10 Thank You To those cleaning the church in April: the Woelk s; the Hailey s; the Hobelmann s; the Wiehe s; the Borgeson s To ALL the Altar Guild, and special thanks to Bonnie, Cookie, Keo, Tammy, Phyllis. To the 38 people who helped with Spring Cleaning! To the Board of Fellowship for the Confirmation Reception Financial Full report posted in Church Office. Through end of March: Budget $ 72,345 Offerings $ 80,434 Expenses $ 58,833 $ 21,601 Book of Concord Study Sunday, May 28, 6 pm Join us any time. All welcome to come for an evening of enrichment in our Lutheran doctrine and Scriptural engagements, food, & refreshments. Childcare provided. Last Sunday evening of the month Building Fund until Oct. 31, 2018 As of 4/23/17: $31,225 This is indeed a special time as the Lord continues to grow His Church here and we address that now and future generations may grow and be enriched by our Lord in this place. LutheransForLife.org As the Church of God it s time we rightly extolled the vocation of motherhood, and it s time we finally saw the resplendent majesty concealed therein. There is no greater vocation on earth for it is God s chosen means to bring children into this world and, likewise through parents, to bring children into Christ s kingdom of forgiveness through Holy Baptism. We are a sponsoring congregation issuesetc.org 24/7 internet radio Risen Savior Lutheran Church Leavenworth Rd. Basehor, KS risensaviorlcms.org