Readings for the 6th Sunday after Trinity

Posted on July 2, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Watchword for the 7th Sunday after Pentecost from Isaiah 43:1  But now, this is what the LORD says– he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Reading from the prophet Isaiah 43:1-7  But now, this is what the LORD says– he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  3 For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.  4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.  5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.  6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth–  7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

The apostle St. Paul writes to the Romans 6:3-8 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.  5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.  6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin–  7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.  8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

The holy gospel recorded by the evangelist St. Matthew 28:16-20 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

One of the Bach Cantatas for this Sunday is from BWV 9: Es ist das Heil uns kommen her…

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Lessons for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Watchword for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost [3rd after Trinity] from Luke 19, 10:  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

Old testament reading from the holy prophet Ezekiel 18:1-4.21-24.30-32:   The word of the LORD came to me:  2 “What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: “‘The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’?  3 “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel.  4 For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son– both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die. …   21 “But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die.  22 None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live.  23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?  24 “But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked man does, will he live? None of the righteous things he has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness he is guilty of and because of the sins he has committed, he will die. …30 “Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.  31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel?  32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!

The epistle reading from the holy apostle St. Paul’s first letter to Timothy 1:12-17  12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.  13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.  14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners– of whom I am the worst.  16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.  17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The holy gospel according to the evangelist St. Luke 15:1-3.11-32 Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him.  2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”  3 Then Jesus told them this parable: … “There was a man who had two sons.  12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.  13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.  14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.  15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.  16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.  17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!  18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’  20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.  21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’  22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.  25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.  26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.  27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’  28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.  29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.  30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’  31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.  32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'”

A collect for this 3rd Sunday after Trinity: Almighty and merciful God, you are not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Grant that by your word we may again and again be convicted of our many sins, but also fervently grasp anew the comfort of your Spirit and of faith, in order that we may be justified in your Son and be saved through him, Jesus Christ our Lord.

 Hymn for this Sunday:

  1. O God, O Lord of heaven and earth, Thy living finger never wrote that life should be an aimless mote, A deathward drift from futile birth. Thy Word meant life triumphant hurled, In splendor through Thy broken world, Since light awoke and life began, Thou hast desired Thy life for man.
  2. Our fatal will to equal Thee, Our rebel will wrought death and night. We seized and used in prideful spite Thy wondrous gift of liberty. We housed us in this house of doom, Where death had royal scope and room Until Thy servant, Prince of Peace, breached all its walls for our release.
  3. Thou camest to our hall of death, O Christ, to breathe our poisoned air, to drink for us the dark despair That strangled our reluctant breath. How beautiful the feet that trod The road that leads us back to God! How beautiful the feet that ran To bring the great good news to man!
  4.  O Spirit, who didst once restore Thy church that it might be again the bringer of good news to men, Breathe on Thy cloven Church once more, That in these gray and latter days There may be those whose life is praise, each life a high doxology To Father, Son and unto Thee. (Martin Franzmann)
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3rd Sunday after Pentecost

Posted on June 2, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Watchword for the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost [2nd after Trinity] from Matthew 11:28  Jesus says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Old Testament reading from the prophet Isaiah 55:1-3b: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.  2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.  3 Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live.

The epistle is from Ephesians 2:17-22:  17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.  18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.  19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,  20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.  21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.  22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

The holy gospel accourding to the evangelist St. Luke 14:16-24   16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.  17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’  18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’  19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’  20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’  21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’  22 “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’  23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.  24 I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'”

Collect for this Sunday: O Lord, since You never fail to help and govern those whom You nurture in Your steadfast fear and love, work in us a perpetual fear and love of Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Hymns for this Sunday (Graduallied): EG 250 und 363

250:0 Ich lobe dich von ganzer Seelen

  • 250:1 Ich lobe dich von ganzer Seelen, dass du auf diesem Erdenkreis dir wollen eine Kirch erwählen zu deines Namens Lob und Preis, darinnen sich viel Menschen finden in einer heiligen Gemein, die da von allen ihren Sünden durch Christi Blut gewaschen sein.
  • 250:2 Du rufest auch noch heutzutage, dass jedermann erscheinen soll; man höret immer deine Klage, dass nicht dein Haus will werden voll. Deswegen schickst du auf die Straßen, zu laden alle, die man find’t; du willst auch die berufen lassen, die blind und lahm und elend sind.
  • 250:3 Du, Gott, hast dir aus vielen Zungen der Völker eine Kirch gemacht, darin dein Lob dir wird gesungen in einer wunderschönen Pracht, die sämtlich unter Christus stehen als ihrem königlichen Haupt und in Gemeinschaft dies begehen, was jeder Christ von Herzen glaubt.
  • 250:4 Wir wolln uns nicht auf Werke gründen, weil doch kein Mensch vor Gott gerecht; und will sich etwas Gutes finden, so sind wir dennoch böse Knecht. Mit Glauben müssen wir empfangen, was Christi Leiden uns bereit’; im Glauben müssen wir erlangen der Seelen Heil und Seligkeit.
  • 250:5 Erhalt uns, Herr, im rechten Glauben noch fernerhin bis an das End; ach lass uns nicht die Schätze rauben: dein heilig Wort und Sakrament. Erfüll die Herzen deiner Christen mit Gnade, Segen, Fried und Freud, durch Liebesfeu’r sie auszurüsten zur ungefärbten Einigkeit.

363:0 Kommt her zu mir, spricht Gottes Sohn

  • 363:1 »Kommt her zu mir«, spricht Gottes Sohn, »all die ihr seid beschweret nun, mit Sünden hart beladen, ihr Jungen, Alten, Frau und Mann, ich will euch geben, was ich han, will heilen euren Schaden.
  • 363:2 Mein Joch ist sanft, leicht meine Last, und jeder, der sie willig fasst, der wird der Höll entrinnen. Ich helf ihm tragen, was zu schwer; mit meiner Hilf und Kraft wird er das Himmelreich gewinnen.«
  • 363:3 Heut ist der Mensch schön, jung und rank, sieh, morgen ist er schwach und krank, bald muss er auch gar sterben; gleichwie die Blumen auf dem Feld also wird diese schöne Welt in einem Nu verderben.
  • 363:4 Dem Reichen hilft doch nicht sein Gut, dem Jungen nicht sein stolzer Mut, er muss aus diesem Maien; wenn einer hätt die ganze Welt, Silber und Gold und alles Geld, doch muss er an den Reihen.
  • 363:5 Dem G’lehrten hilft doch nicht sein Kunst, die weltlich Pracht ist gar umsonst, wir müssen alle sterben. Wer sich in Christus nicht bereit’, solange währt die Gnadenzeit, ewig muss er verderben.
  • 363:6 Höret und merkt, ihr lieben Leut, die ihr jetzt Gott ergeben seid: lasst euch die Müh nicht reuen, halt’ fest am heilgen Gotteswort, das ist eu’r Trost und höchster Hort, Gott wird euch schon erfreuen.
  • 363:7 Und was der ewig gütig Gott in seinem Wort versprochen hat, geschworn bei seinem Namen, das hält und gibt er g’wiss fürwahr. Er helf uns zu der Heilgen Schar durch Jesus Christus! Amen.
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Schmückt das Fest mit Maien…

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber
  1. Schmückt das Fest mit Maien, lasset Blumen streuen, zündet Opfer an, denn der Geist der Gnaden hat sich eingeladen, machet ihm die Bahn. Nehmt ihn ein, so wird sein Schein euch mit Licht und Heil erfüllen und den Kummer stillen. 
  2. Tröster der Betrübten, Siegel der Geliebten, Geist voll Rat und Tat, starker Gottesfinger, Friedensüberbringer, Licht auf unserem Pfad: Gib uns Kraft und Lebenssaft, laß uns deine teuren Gaben zur Genüge laben.
  3. Laß die Zunge brennen, wenn wir Jesum nennen, führ den Geist empor; gib uns Kraft, zu beten und vor Gott zu treten, sprich du selbst uns vor. Gib uns Mut, du höchstes Gut, tröst uns kräftiglich von oben bei der Feinde Toben. 
  4. Güldner Himmelsregen, schütte deinen Segen auf das Kirchenfeld; lasse Ströme fließen, die das Land begießen, wo dein Wort hinfällt, und verleih, daß es gedeih, hunderfältig Früchte bringe und ihm stets gelinge.
  5. Schlage deine Flammen über uns zusammen, wahre Liebesglut; laß dein sanftes Wehen auch bei uns geschehen, dämpfe Fleisch und Blut; laß uns doch am Sündenjoch nicht mehr wie vor diesem ziehen und das Böse fliehen. 
  6. Gib zu allen Dingen Wollen und Vollbringen, führ uns ein und aus; wohn in unserer Seele, unser Herz erwähle dir zum eignen Haus; wertes Pfand, mach uns bekannt, wie wir Jesum recht erkennen und Gott Vater nennen.
  7. Mach das Kreuze süße, und durch Finsternisse sei du unser Licht; trag nach Zions Hügeln uns mit Glaubensflügeln und verlaß uns nicht, wenn der Tod, die letzte Not, mit uns will zu Felde liegen, daß wir fröhlich siegen. 
  8. Laß uns hier indessen nimmermehr vergessen, daß wir Gott verwandt; dem laß uns stets dienen und im Guten grünen als ein fruchtbar Land, bis wir dort, du werter Hort, bei den grünen Himmelmaien ewig uns erfreuen.

Benjamin Schmolck 1715

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1st Sunday after Trinity

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Watchword for the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost [1st Sunday after Trinity] from Lk.10,16: Jesus said to his disciples: “He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-9  Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

1 John 4:16b-21  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.  17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.  18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  19 We love because he first loved us.  20 If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.  21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Luke 16:19 – 31   19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.  22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  23 In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’  25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’  27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’  29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’  30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’  31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'” 

Liturgical colour: Green

Collect of the day: O God, the strength of all who trust in You, mercifully accept our prayers; and because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing, grant us Your grace to keep Your commandments that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Hymn of the week: To God the Holy Spirit let us pray…

  1.  To God the Holy Spirit let us pray For the true faith needed on our way That He may defend us when life is ending And from exile home we are wending. Lord, have mercy!
  2. O sweetest Love, Your grace on us bestow; Set our hearts with sacred fire aglow That with hearts united we love each other, Ev’ry stranger, sister and brother. Lord, have mercy!
  3. Transcendent Comfort in our ev’ry need Help us neither scorn nor death to heed That we may not falter nor courage fail us When the foe shall taunt and assail us. Lord, have mercy!
  4. Shine in our hearts, O Spirit precious light; Teach us Jesus Christ to know aright That we may abide in the Lord who bought us, Till to our true home He has brought us. Lord, have mercy!

Martin Luther (1483-1546): Nun bitten wir den Heiligen Geist…

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Pastor Eckart Schroeder +

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber
Pastor Eckart Schroeder
P.Eckart Schroeder
With his wife Magdalene and grandchild
Making friends with the most unlikely creatures… at Leeuspoor, KZN.

Dem Herrn über Leben und Tod hat es gefallen, unseren Bruder in Christus Eckart Schroeder am vergangenen Montag, dem 23. Mai 2016 aus dieser Zeit in die Ewigkeit abzurufen. Er tröste die Trauernden mit dem Trost der Vergebung der Sünden, der leibhaftigen Auferstehung und dem ewigen Leben um Jesu Christ willen. Uns alle aber lehre er bedenken, dass auch wir sterben müssen auf dass wir klug werden. In Sonderheit befehlen wir ihm den an, den er als nächsten aus unserer Mitte sterben läßt. Die Beerdigung soll am kommenden Sonntag um 11:30 Uhr in seiner Heimatgemeinde Uelzen bei Glencoe (KZN) auf dem schönen Friedhof bei der Kirche stattfinden.

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Zeuch ein zu Deinen Toren…

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

 

  1. Zeuch ein zu Deinen Toren,  Sei meines Herzens Gast, Der du, da ich geboren, Mich neu geboren hast, O hochgeliebter Geist Des Vaters und des Sohnes, Mit beiden gleichen Thrones, Mit beiden gleich gepreist.
  2. Zeuch ein, laß mich empfinden Und schmecken deine Kraft, Die Kraft, die uns von Sünden Hilf und Errettung schafft. Entsündge meinen Sinn, Daß ich mit reinem Geiste Dir Ehr und Dienste leiste, Die ich dir schuldig bin.
  3. Ich war ein wilder Reben, Du hast mich gut gemacht, Der Tod durchdrang mein Leben, Du hast ihn umgebracht Und in der Tauf erstickt, Als wie in einer Flute, Mit dessen Tod und Blute, Der uns im Tod erquickt.
  4. Du bist das heilig Öle, Dadurch gesalbet ist Mein Leib und meine Seele Dem Herren Jesu Christ Zum wahren Eigentum, Zum Priester und Propheten, Zum Könge, den in Nöten Gott schützt vom Heiligtum.
  5. Du bist ein Geist, der lehret, Wie man recht beten soll, Dein Beten wird erhöret, Dein Singen klinget wohl. Es steigt zum Himmel an, Es steigt und läßt nicht abe, Bis der geholfen habe, Der allen helfen kann.
  6. Du bist ein Geist der Freuden, Von Trauern hältst du nicht, Erleuchtest uns im Leiden Mit deines Trostes Licht. Ach ja, wie manchesmal Hast du mit süßen Worten Mir aufgetan die Pforten Zum güldnen Freudensaal.
  7. Du bist ein Geist der Liebe, Ein Freund der Freundlichkeit, Willst nicht, daß uns betrübe Zorn, Zank, Haß, Neid und Streit; Der Feindschaft bist du feind, Willst, daß durch Liebesflammen Sich wieder tun zusammen Die voller Zwietracht seind.
  8. Du, Herr, hast selbst in Händen Die ganze weite Welt, Kannst Menschenherzen wenden, Wie es dir wohlgefällt: So gib doch deine Gnad Zum Fried und Liebesbanden, Verknüpf in allen Landen, Was sich getrennet hat.
  9. Erhebe dich und steure Dem Herzleid auf der Erd, Bring wieder und erneuere Die Wohlfahrt deiner Herd! Laß blühen wie zuvorn Die Länder, so verheeret, Die Kirchen, so zerstöret Durch Krieg und Feuerszorn.
  10. Beschirm die Obrigkeiten, Richt auf des Rechtes Thron, Steh treulich uns zur Seiten, Schmück, als mit einer Kron, Die Alten mit Verstand, Mit Frömmigkeit die Jugend, Mit Gottesfurcht und Tugend Das Volk im ganzen Land.
  11. Erfülle die Gemüter Mit reiner Glaubenszier, Die Häuser und die Güter Mit Segen für und für. Vertreib den bösen Geist, Der dir sich widersetzet Und was dein Herz ergötzet, Aus unserm Herzen reißt.
  12. Gib Freudigkeit und Stärke, Zu stehen in dem Streit, Den Satans Reich und Werke Uns täglich anerbeut, Hilf kämpfen ritterlich, Damit wir überwinden Und ja zum Dienst der Sünden Kein Christ ergebe sich.
  13. Richt unser ganzes Leben Allzeit nach deinem Sinn, Und wann wirs sollen geben In Todes Rachen hin, Wanns mit uns hie wird aus, So hilf uns fröhlich sterben Und nach dem Tod ererben Des ewgen Lebens Haus. (Paul Gerhard 1653)

 

 

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LTS News 2016,2

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Another quarter is successfully behind us at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane (LTS in Tshwane) – and the 33rd semester of our Seminary here in Pretoria, South Africa. Another good reason to sing praises to our Lord and God from whom all blessings flow  + We also continue to thank you as faithful supporters of our Seminary, its 50+ students and also its teachers, helpers and co-workers as you help us to make the best possible outcome for Seminarians and this institution.

Read the latest from our Seminary in the LTS News 2016,2 here in either DINA4 format or US Letter: 2016,2 LTS News DinA4 and also as 2016,2 LTS News USLetter.

Please don’t stop to pray for us and this Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane +

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Vater Wilhelms Rundbrief

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber
Wenn man Glied einer großen Verwandtschaft ist und eine große Familie hat, hat man was zu erzählen. Heute feiern in Potsdam Ines und Thomas Pontow Hochzeit in einem poschen Hotel. Morgen feiern Schützes in Hamburg die Konfirmation ihrer Charlotte, ihrer Jüngsten. Deshalb hatten sie die Einladung zur heutigen Hochzeit nicht angenommen. 2011 konnten wir Benjamins Konfirmation in Farven noch miterleben. Renate ist die Patentante von Benjamin. Mit ihrem Hans nahmen sie uns damals mit nach Deutschland. Fünf Jahre sind das schon her.
Wilhelm freute sich heute, dass er sein Visum bekommen hat. Ich staune immer wieder, wie die Deutschstämmigen in Afrika in Deutschland wie alle anderen Südafrikaner behandelt werden und genau so wie andere überprüft werden und für Visa bezahlen müssen. Das gilt ebenso für die Englischstämmigen aus allen Afrikaländern in England, und die Belgischstämmigen in Belgien. Glücklicherweise haben wir weißen Afrikaner noch in allen europäischen “Heimatländern” meist noch gute verwandtschaftliche Beziehungen dorthin, dass die Verwandten ihre “Afrikaner” noch gern zu Besuch empfangen und gern in Afrika besuchen. Die Verwandten im europäischen Heimatland wissen es von Fotografien, dass ihre afrikanischen Verwandten nicht schwarz sind. Als wir vier Weberkinder 1939 mit unserer Mutter ihre Eltern besuchten, hat so mancher in der Nachbarschaft der Großeltern sich gewundert und sogar gesagt: “Dei sai jo gor nit schwotz.” Noch im Jahr 1957 hat sich mancher über die Haare von Vater Mokone, der als erster Motswana die Mutterkirche besuchte, gewundert.
Heute will ich noch von einem anderen Einsatz von Ruth berichten. Wöchentlich gibt sie auf einer Nachbarfarm Schülern Englischunterricht und nimmt einige Schüler der Arbeiter hier auf Welbedacht mit. Die Lehrerinnen in den Schulen hier in der Nachbarschaft können selber kaum richtig Englisch und dementsprechend leidet der Englischunterricht in den Schulen. Da muss Ruth ganz von vorn anfangen, dass für manche von den Schülern in 5. oder 6. Klasse sogar die Bücher für Anfänger schon zu schwer sind.
Als ich vom Einsatz von Missionarstöchtern das vorige Mal schrieb, habe ich den Einsatz von unserer Anne nicht erwähnt. Sie ist zur Rendantin der Bleckmarer Mission gewählt worden.
Nachdem ich vom Einsatz der Missiontöchter geschrieben hatte, bin ich gerade in meiner Übersetzungsarbeit daran erinnert worden, wie der Herr die falschen Propheten und falschen Christen beurteilt hat, die sich auf ihren Einsatz im Namen Jesu  oder ihre Beteiligung an der Gemeinschaft mit ihm beriefen. (Math. 7 und Lk 13) Die hat er nicht nur nicht gelobt. Er hat sie sogar mit dem Urteil aus Psalm 6 weggeschickt, dass er sie nicht kenne und dass sie Übertäter seien.
Als Karin und ich über dieses erschreckende Urteil sprachen, dachten wir daran, wie Lutheraner oft Sekten mit ihrem fleißigen Einsatz bewundern, die ihre “Erfolge” als “Lockaas” auswerfen, dass Leute ihre Gemeinden verlassen und sich ihnen anschließen. Der Herr hielt sie für Übeltäter.
Ein weitere Aussage unseres Herrn, wenn sogar seine Jünger sich freuten, dass ihnen die bösen Geister untertan waren. Der Herr sagte ihnen: “Doch darüber freut euch nicht, dass euch die Geister untertan sind. Freut euch aber, dass eure Namen im Himmel geschrieben sind.” Der Herr spricht ein noch deutlicheres Urteil über das, was wir tun. Er sagt: “Dankt er etwa dem Knecht, dass er getan hat, was befohlen war? So auch ihr! Wenn ihr alles getan habt. Was euch befohlen ist, so sprecht: Wir sind unnütze Knechte; wir haben getan was wir zu tun schuldig waren.” Das Urteil gilt, wenn wir auch alles getan hätten, was uns befohlen ist. Es ist nicht alles getan, und Paulus sagt, dass wir es nicht einmal können, R 8:7. Trotzdem spricht Paulus von dem, was er getan hatte, sogar dass er “viel mehr gearbeitet hat, als sie alle.” Die viele Arbeit schreibt er nicht auf sein Konto. Er schreibt weiter: “nicht aber ich, sondern Gottes Gnade, die mit mir ist,” 1 K 15:10. Der Herr schenke uns allen, dass wir es ihm nachsprechen können: “Durch Gottes Gnade bin ich was ich bin. Und seine Gnade an mir ist nicht vergeblich gewesen.” Vor allem bekennen und glauben wir, dass der Herr uns täglich mit aller Notdurft und Nahrung reichlich versorgt, und uns täglich mit allen Gläubigen reichlich alle unsere Sünden vergibt, uns durch den Glauben an ihn seine Gerechtigkeit aus Gnaden anrechnet und uns das ewige Leben verheißen hat.
Das wollte ich doch noch zu dem, was ich vom Einsatz der Missionarstöchter geschrieben hatte, erwähnen. Bei ihnen ging es um den unbezahlten Einsatz, wie auch bei einem Sohn und drei Schwiegersöhnen, die sich als Kirchenvorsteher in verschiedenen Gemeinden, als Aufseher bei der Arbeit auf der Gemeindefarm, oder als Bauunternehmer bei Reperaturen an Kirchen und anderen Gebäuden einsetzen. Zwei Schwiegersöhne und drei Söhne werden für ihren Einsatz, wie ihr Vater, bzw. Schwiegervater als Emeritus, von Kirche oder Mission versorgt.
Mit herzlichen Grüßen
Euer Wilhelm Weber aus Welbedacht
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Holiday of the Holy Trinity

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Watchword for the 1st Sunday after Pentecost (Holiday of the Holy Trinity) from Isaiah 6:3  “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

Collect of the day: Almighty and everlasting God, You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty. Keep us steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever.

The reading from the Old Testament the prophet Isaiah the 6th chapter:  In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.  2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.  3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”  4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.  5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”  6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.  7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”  8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”  9 He said, “Go and tell this people: “‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’  10 Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”  11 Then I said, “For how long, O Lord?” And he answered: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged,  12 until the LORD has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken.  13 And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.” (verses 1-13)

The epistle of St. Paul to the Romans the 11th chapter:  Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!  “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (verses 33-36)

“God the Father, Be Our Stay” by Unknown Author, c. 1400 translated by Richard Massie, 1800-1887

  • 1. God the Father, be our Stay,
    Oh, let us perish never.
    Cleanse us from our sins, we pray,
    And grant us life forever.
    Keep us from the Evil One;
    Uphold our faith most holy,
    Grant us to trust Thee solely
    With humble hearts and lowly.
    Let us put God’s armor on:
    With all true Christians running
    Our heavenly race and shunning
    The devil’s wiles and cunning.
    Amen, Amen, this be done,
    So sing we, Hallelujah!
  • 2. Jesus Christ, be Thou our Stay,
    Oh, let us perish never.
    Cleanse us from our sins, we pray,
    And grant us life forever.
    Keep us from the Evil One;
    Uphold our faith most holy,
    Grant us to trust Thee solely
    With humble hearts and lowly.
    Let us put God’s armor on:
    With all true Christians running
    Our heavenly race and shunning
    The devil’s wiles and cunning.
    Amen, Amen, this be done,
    So sing we, Hallelujah!
  • 3. Holy Ghost, be Thou our Stay,
    Oh, let us perish never.
    Cleanse us from our sins, we pray,
    And grant us life forever.
    Keep us from the Evil One;
    Uphold our faith most holy,
    Grant us to trust Thee solely
    With humble hearts and lowly.
    Let us put God’s armor on:
    With all true Christians running
    Our heavenly race and shunning
    The devil’s wiles and cunning.
    Amen, Amen, this be done,
    So sing we, Hallelujah!

Holy Gospel according to John the 3rd chapter: Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”  3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”  4 “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!”  5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.  6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’  8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (verses 1-8)


 

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