September 2022

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! Romans 10:15

What’s new? Here we are again at the end of another summer. As we return to our schedules and routines we meet up with friends we haven’t seen for awhile and we wonder, “What’s new?” Vacation highlights usually provide the most interesting answers. Plans for the school year also come into the conversation. Maybe new members have been added to the family—married couples or new grandchildren. We love sharing in the happy highlights of our family and friends. It brings us joy.   Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30

But not all news is happy. Maybe the summer came with the loss of a job, health problems or even a death in the family. Our hearts go out to our loved ones who face sad days and difficult challenges. We do our best to help where we can and to provide comfort through God’s Word. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 

Thankfully, there is good news! We have a loving and merciful God who changed our bad news into good though his Son, Jesus Christ. 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. Romans 6:4 Our new life in Christ is the best news. We are at peace with God and can praise and thank him no matter what happens under the sun. God’s mercy is new every morning. That good news of the Gospel is news what we want to share when people ask us: What’s new?

 

 

Every morning mercies new Fall as fresh as morning dew;
Every morning let us pay Tribute with the early day
For your mercies, Lord, are sure;
Your compassion will endure.

CW 580

Back to work

I write this as our suitcases are packed, the apartment is cleaned, and we will head to O’Hare tomorrow for the flight back to Germany. It has been a good break. We were able to visit with family, children, and grandchildren. And now Helen and I are looking forward to seeing all of you again. A special thanks to Pastor Rob Weiss for covering during our leave.

Pastor Hartwig

 

Worship Schedule

There are a few adjustments to our typical worship schedule in the next months. I’ll summarize those dates by location here, but please note that you can always check our worship schedule on the welseurope.net website on the calendar at the bottom of the main page.

London worship at Northwoods on September 4 and October 2.

Wicker and Ramstein worship on September 11 and 25, October 16 and 30 (a week later than our usual schedule).

Munich worship on September 15 and October 20.

Vilseck worship on September 17 and October 22.

Switzerland worship on September 18 and October 23.

Potluck at Ramstein

Covid changed many things in our lives. We no longer were able to have fellowship together as we had in the past. But we are happy to announce that the monthly potluck after worship at Ramstein is about to begin again. On September 11 plan to stay after service to enjoy the company and tasty food of your fellow believers. Tana Waldschmidt has kindly agreed to organize our potluck. Watch your e-mail for further instructions from Tana.

Heidelberg Fall Retreat

Our fall retreat will be in Heidelberg! Plan to arrive on November 4 any time after 14:00. After supper we will have an evening devotion and fellowship time. On Saturday we will have Bible class for the adults and Sunday school for the children in the morning. During the afternoon free time you can visit the Heidelberg zoo which is near Jugenherberge, or tour the old town and castle. We will enjoy a meal at a restaurant in the evening. On Sunday we will have a Reformation themed worship service. Look for more information on the retreat in your e-mail inbox.

 

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