September

On September 20, 1838 - 182 years ago - FCD Wyneken arrived at our congregation for the very first time. The reason for his arrival was simple enough. Pr. Jesse Hoover who had chartered this parish on February 25 died suddenly on May 24 at the age of twenty-eight. Hoover’s pastorate lasted a brief four months. Wyneken was called to continue the work which Hoover had started.

While serving as pastor at Historic St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ft. Wayne, Hoover found this settlement of about sixty newly arrived German immigrants. With his guidance, this parish was formed as the brand; “Friedheim” translated as “the House of Peace” was bestowed upon us. 

It is only natural for us to idolize the past. But, were the good old days really so good? Was it all sunshine and happiness? Not always. In most cases –NOT!

Many are nostalgic for the past. Yet, there are dangers of nostalgia. Every era has had serious struggles to overcome. But, I would like to think that these struggles have made us a better people; not unlike the challenges we face today.

The prospect of a better life is what drew many to come here. After 182 years what’s changed? What motivates you to do what you do? Isn’t that you want a better life now? And, if not for yourself, certainly for your family and the larger community.  

What they found was hardly a paradise, rather thick forest and swamp. Have you ever wondered why you can see a steeple every three miles out here in the middle of nowhere? Well, back in the day, to get from here to there would take the better part of a day. 

Life was dangerous and difficult. And if there were any dreams of a safer life a better life back home, well, that ship had already sailed. And it wasn’t going back anytime soon. Yet, despite such challenges the Lord remained faithful.

The story of Friedheim is a statement of God’s grace and forgiveness. Here Jesus is present. The Gospel of Christ has been proclaimed at this place. The Sacraments have been delivered to weary souls. And the word of Christ’s forgiveness has been spoken and received. Without these clear marks of forgiveness, life, salvation there would be no church. But the church is present here at this place because Jesus has chosen to make His presence here with and among us.

As of this writing our school has opened, we continue to conduct services in person and live through various forms of media. Construction on our new Family Life Center continues. We are making plans for our 2020-2021 program year with some modifications and adjustments.

Corona virus did not stop our farmers from planting and cultivating. As the growing season will come to a close we anticipate a healthy harvest as growers store and market their crops. Nor has this illness, this sickness stopped God’s people from caring for each other; especially the most vulnerable among us.

My encouragement to you is to continue. Continue in living your life as a redeemed child of God. Continue to support your neighbor. Always remember – Christ has given you a living hope in this life. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  -1 Peter 3:3-7

As followers of Jesus, as Christ’s ambassadors – commissioned by Him who has reconciled the world to Himself continue to be salt and light in this world. Continue to be a witness as you pray, “Lord, use me to be an instrument of Your peace.”

To that end continue to be a House of Peace, a harbor of hope and a safe haven for those who suffer the storms of life - looking to Jesus our Captain, Savior and Friend.

September

God rejoices. When sinners repent. Angels and archangels laud and magnify the king of heaven. Every time a soul is added to the kingdom. Evangelism is happy time of the church. Because it is an echo of what goes on in heaven. 

By Jesus’ acts of mercy we now have access to the Father’s throne-room of grace. Every request, ever petition, every cry is heard by your Father in heaven.  Every request is answered. According to the Father’s will.  You can be assured that the Father’s will is being fulfilled in your life.

The same motivation, which moved the Savior to break into time and space to save and redeem you is the same motive to sustain and keep you. Remember the Catechism. He “guards and keeps us in the one true faith and keeps us with Jesus Christ our Lord.” This is why you’re a part of this Friedheim Family – you are incorporated into a community of faith called the Church. There are no soloists in God’s choir. None going it alone. You are a part of this Friedheim family known as the Church. We each need each other. As part of the family of faith we enjoy each other, we grow together, we support and encourage each other.

The Church is family. The family of God. Welcome to the family. In this family you experience the Father’s love and welcome. You are accepted. By the Savior’s action the Father’s will is fulfilled. And the Father is happy for your sake.

Our final summer mid-week service will conclude on Wednesday, September 11 at 7 pm. We will gather in the sanctuary to reflect on the historic events which transpired on September 11, 2001. The gathering church is a called to offer supplication and prayer as St. Paul reminds us in his letter to Timothy; “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.” 1 Timothy 2:1-3

In the midst of our hurried lives it is good for us to reflect on those evens which shaped our national culture, society and world. Yet more than reflect this service is an opportunity for the people of our congregation to gather to pray and ask the Lord to lead us in the way of peace. Recalling His guidance in the past we will gather on the National Day of Service and Remembrance commemorating the 18th anniversary of the attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the sacrifice of those on Flight 93. That it would please God to look upon those who would seek to do us harm, and turn their hearts from the ways of hatred and violence, to rain down grace and mercy upon us all, that Christ’s peace, which passes all understanding, would overtake us all. 

Your attendance at this service of remembrance is encouraged and welcomed. 

September

 Lord, thank You for Your work through the lives of others. Lead me to welcome those miracles and mercies that you show through every one of Your people.

Ritual and liturgy - in particular the sacred words of Scripture which tells us specifically of the person and work of Jesus Christ - is what transforms and changes the lives of people –this is what influences our culture and the world in which we live.

The first weekend of September we celebrate Labor Day. It is a time for us the return thanks to God for the genius around us. There are talents, gifts, blessings that God our heavenly Father has given to His children to make a difference. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”(Mark 9:50a) Will you use your gift for the Savior?  Recall the company, “Service Master” a cleaning service whose mission is simple yet profound – that their associates would find in their work giving service to the Master.  

Where you live and serve is your opportunity to be a blessing and to make the world better. The big difference, – the last phrase, which Jesus gives us, -“live at peace with one another.” (Mark 9:50b) Jesus told His hearers were to be at peace with each other, what they would need for this purpose would be to have in themselves -‘salt’; that is to say, they needed love for their neighbors, and a readiness to serve them, and to be ready to make sacrifices for their sake.

As a Christian you are salt and light in this world. Through the power of the gospel the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified you are purifying, preserving and giving season and spice to life in this world.

During this month of September give thanks for the talents we find working among us. Reflect on the abilities the Lord has gifted you. Then put them to use. To the glory of God. and the welfare of your neighbor.  

September

September 4, Pentecost 16 – Proper 18 ~ Divine Service Setting #1 with Holy Communion

“The Demands of Discipleship” ~ O merciful Lord, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all. Grant us courage and strength to take up the cross and follow Him,

September 11, Pentecost 17 – Proper 19 ~ Special Order of Service

“God’s Forgiveness” ~ Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd, without whom nothing is secure. Rescue and preserve us that we may not be lost forever but follow You rejoicing in the way that leads to eternal life;

September 18, Pentecost 18 – Proper 20 ~ Diving Service Setting #2 with Holy Communion 

“The Right Use of Money” ~ O Lord, keep Your Church in Your perpetual mercy; and because without You we cannot but fall, preserve us from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation;

September 25, Pentecost 19 – Proper 21 ~ Matins

“Concerned Christians” ~ O God, You are the strength of all who trust in You, and without Your aid, we can do no good thing. Grant us the help of Your grace that we may please You in both will and deed;

The busyness and complexities of life can be overwhelming at times. School has begun. Fall harvest is approaching. There are plans, deadlines and target goals to reach. Do you sometimes feel as if life is rushing by so quickly?  If so, rest in the safe hands of your Savior who became human for you.

When confessing the Nicene Creed, which is recited every Communion Sunday during the Divine Service,

we speak this little phrase, “…who for us men and our salvation came down from heaven and was made man and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man…” So, what does this say to us today, living in the early decades of the 21^st Century? What this expression says to us today is there was a nativity. In that manger, the Son of God didn’t just insert Himself into human activities. He inserted Himself in the grittiness of human flesh. He was also a person who knew pain and anger. He became angry Himself on occasions, and ultimately was the victim of anger. This life that you and I live; our struggles, our anger, our weakness, our woes; our Lord knows all, even our joys exactly. All this is true because Jesus is the God who became a man.

The incarnation changes everything. For we do not have a God who was too proud to know His people. Or, a God content to rule from a great distance. Or, a God whose majesty was too awesome for us to behold. We have just the opposite. Jesus, the son of Mary and Joseph, who experienced the very same humanity, the very same problems, and the very same challenges that we do. No, you do not walk this road alone. Jesus is the God who came down from heaven. He was that man. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” –Isaiah 53:3 Lean on Jesus. Lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus who became human for you.