"Word on the Street"
– that it is, I thought! That is our mission as Christians! That is the
motto especially for October, the month, when we remember the beginnings
of our Evangelical Lutheran Church. For all of Luther’s concerns can be
summarized thus, "Word on the Street"! I have recently discovered the
cartoon, which you see in the centre, in the Toronto Star, referring to
a large literature festival. I think that we can really transfer these
humorous ideas as references, how we, as Christians, can listen and pass
on God’s word in the midst of our daily life. Wherever you are, whether
you walk, drive or lie on your bed, let the Word of God direct your path
and actions. Pass it on to your children; make discovery journeys with
your children through God’s Word. Take time for the Word of God; look at
it from different sides. Between the lines, so to speak, I want to
insert: Do not forget your surroundings over the Book! Pay close
attention to what is happening around you! But let the Word of God be a
stop sign where your road leads into the wrong direction. Spell it out
through in your daily life, in the large and small things of your life.
P
recisely
this was Martin Luther’s concern, that God’s Word goes out onto the
street of our life. Therefore his famous statement, “If you want to
translate the Bible correctly, you have to look at the mouths of
people”. Therefore he was so uninhibited and sang his spiritual songs to
the melodies of favourite folk songs. Luther was driven by the same
passion which made Paul cry out, "But how are men to call upon 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 a preacher? And
how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ’How
beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news (Romans 10:14).”
A team of five
congregational members attended a very helpful seminary at the Redeemer
Lutheran Church in London.
"In Mission
For Others – Taking It Home" was the theme. 75 participants from 12
congregations took part. It was a very good encouragement to live God’s
Word in the midst of everyday life, and to search for ways within our
congregation to let people experience God’s Word in everyday life. A
story which a participant told has particularly impressed me: A
congregation had worked a long time building their new church. It had
cost much effort and money, many discussions and much work. Then the day
of dedication arrived, everyone was proud of the completed church. But
the preacher of that day said, “Be not content with this wonderful
building. Jesus does not live in these stones, Jesus lives in your
hearts. You are the living Word of God!” That is the message: "Word on
the Street".
Live the Word of God on the streets of your life; carry the Word of God
out onto the streets of the world!
With kind regards,
your Pastor Alexander Mielke
____________
On
September 28th, the organ builder Burkhard Moeller (in
the picture on the right), came to both church services and explained to
us the extensive renovation, cleaning and care of the organ,
which had been undertaken during the summer months. This work was truly
necessary, for the organ had once been brought into the Martin Luther
Church as a used organ and was fitted with pipes of different types
which did not work together very well. Now all of the 564 (!!) pipes
harmonize, furthermore, it is now also fitted with a new ninth register.
The congregation and our organist Klaus Schneeberger enjoyed the fine
renovated organ.
Wednesday,
October 1, 2008, come and enjoy an evening of vocal music in the Martin
Luther Church: "The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to
St.John." By John Reeves, wellknown Canadian
composer and author (CBC); Evangelist: Kevin Lee; Choir: The Marian
Singers, conducted by Tony Browning. The Passion text is sung in German,
to Gregorian Chant, with English introduction. This concert is part of
Reeves' ecumenical project in fall. Beginning 8:00 p.m. Admission free,
donations are appreciated.
We are going to celebrate
Thanksgiving in a twofold way. First the German Erntedank on
October 5 at 11:00, before that a normal English service is to
be held. All together, English as well as German speaking members,
are cordially invited to have a Potluck Luncheon after the
service. You can contact Else Weigelin (416-465-62070) concerning any
arrangement of this potluck luncheon.
The Canadian thanksgiving will
be held on October 12 with a Joint Family Service, 10:00 a.m..
This will a very special event, because first we will celebrate our
partnership with the day care in Sao Paulo as the 12th of
October is Children's Day in Brazil. Second we will be able to welcome a
special guest: Paul Oppenheim, who is the head of the North America
Desk at EKD (which is the "Evangelical Church in Germany" with its
head office in Hannover). It is his first visit to Canada since he took
over this responsibility last year and he looks forward to meeting the
members of the Martin Luther Church. So please come to our celebration
on the Canadian Thanksgiving Day as first we like to welcome our guest
in an appropriate way and second it would be fine to have many
children with us on this celebration of Children's Day and of the
partnership with the Brazilean day care. On Oct 12 there will be coffee
and cake after the service.
____________
Hello!
My
name is Tanya Zielke and I am going to try and recreate the Youth
Group at church. As some of you might remember, I had quite the
youth group going a couple of years ago and now I would like to try
again.
We
had our first event on Saturday, September 27th, 2008 from
5-7pm in the church. There were snacks and drinks provided. We were
having a little meet-and-greet, talking about our plans for the
up-coming year and getting y suggestions of what I can do to make this a
great Youth group. If you know of some more youth, please send me their
email addresses and I will forward this invitation on to them.
We will
meet again in October and the following months. More youth are welcome.
Just come and meet us!
Or contact
me: tanya_zielke@yahoo.ca
Have a
great time. Bye for now,
Tanya
Zielke
____________
A Look Back to Summer Camp
If last year was a quiet camp with 40 people, this year was anything
but! We had 92 people roll through at various times, on average 74 for
the week. 4 teams of 11 each, many kids and toddlers, and families, and
German people. We had 24 white water rafters, and 33 at the owl beach,
as well as 33-1st time campers, yes 33! We went to Church in Eganville
also.
The 2 girls cabins were full with 8 girls each+ 2 counsellors. The 2
boys cabin had 5 & 6 kids in them, cabin 1 was strictly for families. We
had kids playing badminton at 6am! Aside from the usual team mascots, we
also had a 4ft "Taz" that was our "lost & found" mascot. The weather was
coolish but not rainy and the mosquitos were nothing to be
feared. Dan Sommerfeld
Camp Lutherlyn from
Sat Jul. 26th to Fri Aug.1st, 2008 (6 nights)
[photos]
The Literature
Circle
will meet again: Monday,
September 8,
2:00 p.m. in the parsonage. Welcome! Please contact Mrs. Kaethe Kleinau or
Pastor Mielke if you are interested.
The Martin Luther Church participates in the Food Bank of Mimico
United Church. Good, well-wrapped non-perishable foods are needed. They
can be brought to Sunday church service or dropped at the church office
during the week. Money donations also help the Mimico United Church in
this mission. Please do support this important service on a
continual basis for the local community and needy people. Many thanks!
__________
BAPTISM
Erik Peter Herrmann
September 7, 2008
For
wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your
soul;
prudence will watch over you; and understanding will guard you.
Proverbs 2:10
