“I will speak of your statues before kings

and will not be put to shame”

(Psalm 119:46)

The above passage is found at the start of the Augsburg Confession.  On June 25, 1530, the leaders of the Lutheran Reformation assembled in the city of Augsburg, Germany.  They had gathered before the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, to publicly declare what they believe on the basis of the Holy Scriptures.  It may seem strange that such a declaration of the Christian faith in the center of 16th century Europe.  And yet, a clear confession of the Gospel was desperately needed.

For those of you who are reading this here in Europe, you know well the influence of the Christian faith on this continent.  The large, beautiful churches and cathedrals testify to dedication of former rulers and generations who lived here.  For anyone who has studied the history of the Christian church and the history of Lutheranism, living in Europe is a constant reminder of our Christian history.

In 1530, many of the churches we can see today were already present on the landscape. Many of them were already centuries old when the Diet of Augsburg convened.  And yet, our forefathers in the Lutheran faith, gathered before the Holy Roman Emperor to defend their faith.  Just as a military fights to defend its country, God also calls upon Christians to defend what they believe in a world that is often hostile to the Gospel.  The only way to defend the Christian faith is with the source of that faith–the Bible.

If you have never read the Augsburg Confession, it is a worthwhile read for any Lutheran who wants to better understand their faith and the basis for what the Lutheran Church teaches.  We do not view the Augsburg Confession, or any of the Lutheran Confessions, as being equal to Scripture.  Instead, we see them as a clear exposition of what we believe about God; about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and our relationship with the Triune God whom we worship.  The central focus of the Augsburg Confession is the same as the central focus of the Bible:  Jesus Christ and the salvation he earned by his suffering and death.  At the center of our faith is the fact that we are sinners who deserve God’s condemnation and in Christ we are forgiven completely by the sacrifice he gave for our souls.  Paul reminds us of this fact in Romans 3:23-24, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Keeping this focus on Christ may seem easy, but it is hard for us as sinners to do.  We easily put our own ambitions, goals, and preferences above the pure message of the Gospel.  We can even begin to use the Gospel to further our own goals instead of conforming our ambitions to the goals of the Gospel.  It has happened throughout the centuries and it happens in our day as well.

We must always remain humble as God’s people and see how easily we stray.  We need daily reminders of our sins and of how Christ suffered the punishments for our sins in our place if we are to remain true to the Gospel and the Christian faith.  There is only one way to do this:  by letting the Word of Christ dwell richly within us.  As we celebrate the anniversary of the presentation of the Augsburg Confession, I would encourage anyone reading this newsletter to read the Augsburg Confession and all the Lutheran Confessions.  More than that, however, I would encourage all of us to read the Holy Scriptures.  It is the ever-flowing source of water welling up to eternal life. (John 4:14)

The reformers alive in 1530 were focused on the Gospel and its message of salvation.  This is evident in the confession they presented day in June so long ago.  We must be just as bold and determined to maintain the pure Gospel in our hearts and in our churches as they were for, we too must one day leave this life.  The faith that is ours through the Gospel is what connects us to Christ and his salvation, and our connection to our Savior is what will bring us to heaven one day.

May God grant all of us the humility to see our need for the Gospel and the courage to boldly proclaim it, just as our forefathers in the faith have done.

In Christ,

Pastor Weiss

“Also they teach that men cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits, or works, but are freely justified for Christ’s sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor, and that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake, who, by His death, has made satisfaction for our sins.  This faith God imputes for righteousness in His sight.  Rom. 3 and 4.”

(Augsburg Confession, Article IV: of Justification, Concordia Triglotta)

European Catechism Class

Our final Catechism class for WELS children living in Europe was on Sunday, April 28.  One student from our class was confirmed on Easter Sunday in Heidelberg, Germany.  A second student will be confirmed in Spain in the near future.

As we look forward to starting Catechism class again this fall, I would ask those interested in having their children attend class contact me as soon as possible at [email protected] to plan ahead.  An official start date will be established in the near future, but having a general number of who will be in the class and where they live is very helpful.

In Christ,

Pastor Weiss

Counseling for Military Through Christian Family Solutions

Living overseas while serving in the military can bring many challenges.  Having someone to talk with about those challenges can sometimes make all of the difference.  For spiritual matters the European Chaplain is always available to listen, to talk, and to support the WELS military here in Europe.  Sometimes, however, the challenges faced by the military require those specifically trained in counseling for particular areas of life.

Christian Family Solutions offers free short-term counseling through its Member Assistance Program (MAP) for WELS military member serving in Europe.  For more information on Christian Family Solutions, please visit their website: https://christianfamilysolutions.org/

If you feel you would benefit through from such counseling and would like to be connected through the Member Assistance Program, please contact Pastor Weiss.

Worship Opportunities

In between the regular weekend schedule of worship services in Germany and Switzerland, Pastor Weiss is visiting other areas of Europe to reach as many WELS military members as possible.  Regular visits are planned to Italy, Spain, and Belgium.  If you are traveling to these areas and would like to connect with other WELS members for fellowship and worship, please contact Pastor Weiss and he will keep you up to date on what areas are being served and when worship is taking place.

Worship Schedule for June 2024

• July 5-6:  Rota, Spain
• July 14: Wicker (1100) Ramstein (1500)
• July 18:  Munich (1830)
• July 20:  Vilseck/Rose Barracks (1100)
• July 21:  Zurich, Switzerland (1100)
• July 28, 2024: Wicker (1100) Ramstein (1500)

Supporting the WELS European Chaplaincy

If you are interested in supporting the ministry here in Europe, there is an online option for you to give offerings that will directly support the European Chaplaincy.  Please go to this link if you are interested in making a donation: WELS European Chaplaincy Donation Page

If you are only able to give offerings through a European account with an IBAN, please contact Pastor Weiss at [email protected] for instructions on how this can be done.

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“A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them.  Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into my side.  Stop doubting and believe.”

(John 20:26-27)

Christ and St. Thomas by Andrea del Verrocchio Florence, Italy

Thomas doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead.  We can understand his doubt.  After following Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the acclamation of the crowds, he must have struggled to understand how things could have changed so quickly.  Judas, one of his fellow disciples, came with Jesus’ enemies and betrayed him.  Thomas and the other disciples fled in the Garden of Gethsemane that night.  By the next morning, Jesus was undergoing terrible torture and was nailed to a cross.  He was dead by the evening, his body laid in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.

It must have seemed unbelievable.  It all happened so fast and, before Thomas knew it, Jesus was dead.  Now comes the report from the women on Sunday morning that Jesus’ tomb was empty.  Then the disciples report seeing and talking with him the same night the women found the tomb empty.  Finally, Thomas sees Jesus, himself.  It is really Jesus.  He still bears the scars of his torture and his execution.  He is alive and Thomas now sees that the reports of the resurrection are true.  Jesus had been alive all week, but Thomas could not believe the reports until he experienced it.

When Thomas does see Jesus again, Jesus’ message is simple:  “Stop doubting and believe.”  However, why should Thomas believe?  When people die, they don’t rise again from the dead.  When bodies are put in the grave, they don’t leave the grave.  So, why should Thomas have trusted that Jesus had risen from the dead?  He should have believed this to be true because it was the promise Jesus had given him.

We, too, struggle to trust in the promises of Jesus when we don’t see their fulfillment right away.  As members of the military move away from home and go overseas to serve our country, it is easy for them to feel alone.  When work is hard and we are doing our best but all we seem to receive in return is criticism, it can feel like Jesus is not there, as he promised (Matthew 28:20).  There are many temptations that come along with life in the military.  We read God’s promise to give us a way out of temptation (I Corinthians 10:13), but when we see how often and how easily we fall into temptation, we wonder if Jesus is really by our side to help us.

All of us go through periods of time in our lives when we doubt Jesus’ promises, just as Thomas did.  All of us have have situations in which we wish that we could believe in God’s promises and let those promises take our worries away, but sometimes it is such a struggle to do so.  It is for this very reason that we must go back time and time again to Jesus’ Word to see what he did for us, read his promises again, and let the Holy Spirit do its work through the Gospel.  Jesus told Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  The word translated “blessed” here (“makairos”) means “happy.”

When we go back time and again to read Jesus’ promise and remind ourselves that he has defeated death for us, he takes our fears and doubts away.  Like Thomas, we sometimes need that reminder to stop doubting and believe.  This text is your reminder.  Today is the day to read the Word of God.  He will work through that Word and bring you the comfort and assurance you seek.

In Christ,

Pastor Weiss

“‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

Easter Retreat Update

We met in the city of Heidelberg, Germany, for our annual Easter Retreat from Thursday, March 28, through Sunday, March 31.  We celebrated Easter with a total of 53 people in attendance, which was a joy for all.  We are grateful for all of the volunteers who helped make this retreat happen and for all of the musicians who shared their talent with us to enhance the beauty of our worship as we praised our risen and living Savior.

We look forward to gathering together again in Nürnberg this fall.

In Christ,

Pastor Weiss

Fall Retreat 2024

We will hold our Fall Retreat on November 1-3 in Nürnberg.  Our place of lodging is the Jugendherberge Nürnberg, located in the old city city-center immediately adjacent to the Kaiserburg.  Further information on this will be distributed as the Fall Retreat approaches

Worship Time Change at Ramstein Air Base

Beginning on Palm Sunday, March 24, our worship time at the North Chapel at Ramstein changed from 1600 to 1500.  The reason for this change is the renovation work beginning at Vogelweh Chapel that requires a shifting of worship times for the other chapels on base.

Worship Schedule for April

• April 7:  No Worship at Stuttgart on account of field visit
• April 14: Wicker (0800) Ramstein (1500)
• April 18, 2024:  Munich (1830)
• April 20, 2024:  Vilseck/Rose Barracks (1100)
• April 21, 2024:  Zurich (1100)
• April 28, 2024: Wicker (1100) Ramstein (1500)

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“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

(Matthew 2:2)

The visit of the Magi shortly after the birth of Jesus is an account that is well-known to us.  Every Christmas we decorate our homes and our churches with nativity scenes that normally include the Magi from the east.  We know this account well, but we do not know a great deal about who the Magi were.  The Holy Scriptures do not reveal to us where the Magi came from, what their names were, or even how many Magi arrived to worship the child Jesus.  Despite the many things we do not know about the Magi from the East, what we do know is this:  they recognized the glory of God’s Son.

Chapel of the Magi, Florence, Italy

Epiphany reveals to us the glory of God’s Son.  At Christmas we recognize and celebrate the fact that God’s Son became a true human being, just like you and me.  The season of Epiphany focuses on the fact that the child born in Bethlehem was more than just a human being.  He was and is the eternal Son of God.  This season begins each year on January 6, and the Gospel reading for this day is Matthew 2:1-12–the visit of the Magi.

The texts read in church during Epiphany show us the deity of Jesus.  They focus on his powerful teaching, his miracles, his ability to know the hearts of others, and the occasions when the Father spoke from heaven to declare that Jesus is his Son, whom he loves.  As Christians, we know and cherish this portion of Jesus life.  They remind us of both the great power our Lord exercises in this world and the fact that he uses his divine power for the good of his people.

Yet, during Epiphany, we should also be cautious that we do not apply our own standards of glory to Christ and, by doing so, miss the true glory that if found in our Savior.  This is not to say that certain aspects of Jesus’ glory were not glorious according to human standards.  The raising of Lazarus from the dead; feeding the five thousand; walking on water; healing a paralyzed man so that he could walk and carry his mat home; all of these miracles show the power of Jesus and are signs that point to him as the promised Messiah.  They are also events in the life of Christ that are glorious in the eyes of human beings.

This brings us back to the question at the start of this devotion:  What did the Magi think when they finally found the newborn king whom they were seeking?  When they first came to Judea, they went to the logical place to find a newborn king.  They went to the capital of the province and talked with the current king.  Yet, the glory of the newborn king was not found in the capital city of Jerusalem.  It was not found in a king’s palace.  It was to be found in a small child who was just a few kilometers south of Jerusalem in the town of Bethlehem.  The actions of the Magi show us they recognized the true glory of Christ.  It is not a glory that is seen with the eyes of the body, but only with the eyes of faith.  Matthew records for us, “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.”  (Matthew 2:11)

Jesus was just a child at this point.  By earthly standards, King Herod was far more glorious.  Over the course of his political career he had done business with Caesar Augustus, Marc Antony, and Cleopatra.  He had expanded the Temple Mount and been rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple into a large and glorious structure (cf. Matthew 24:1).  Along the coast, at Caearea Maritima, he used the new Roman construction medium of underwater concrete to build a harbor.  Across his kingdom were numerous palaces and fortresses, including the Herodium located just down the road from Bethlehem, where Herod would be buried.  And yet, just down the road from where Herod would be buried, was born someone who is worshiped every day.  Herod’s kingdom is gone.  His grand fortresses and palaces have long crumbled.  But the kingdom of that little boy the Magi found is still as strong and majestic as it has always been.

Which kingdom was more glorious–the kingdom of Herod or the kingdom of Jesus?  Clearly, we would answer the latter, but that glory is only seen by the eyes of faith.  We saw this faith in the Wise Men.  When the Magi bowed down and worshiped Jesus, how many people were there worshiping him?  Three?  Five? A few more?  It didn’t matter to the Wise Men that the worship took place in a house rather than the Temple in Jerusalem.  The number of people at the worship event was unimportant.  All that mattered to the Wise Men was that they had the chance to spend time with the king who had come to be their Savior.

The Jesus we worship is the same Jesus whom the Magi sought and worshiped.  We must be on our guard that we do not let the glory seen with the eyes overshadow the glory that is seen through faith.  For those of you living overseas, whether you are in the military members, contractors working with the military, or expats living in Europe, it can become easy to miss the worship opportunities you had back home.  Living overseas probably means worship looks very different than it did back in the U.S.  There are probably far fewer people at the worship services.  The worship location may not be large and beautiful.  There may be no big events following the worship service and after hearing the Gospel and receiving Holy Communion, you and your fellow worshipers may leave and go your separate ways, as the journey home may take some time.  Despite these differences from our worship back in the U.S. there is just as much glory in a small, discreet worship service in a home or base chapel as there is in a large sanctuary filled with worshipers.  What makes the difference and what brings the glory is the presence of Christ.

That quiet glory of time with the King that was so precious to the Magi is yours every time you gather with your fellow believers around Word and Sacrament.  Perhaps you gather with fellow believers to worship Jesus in a house, just as the Wise Men did.  Perhaps there are only a few people at the worship service, as was the case for the Wise Men.  Just like these ancient fellow believers, after worship you may leave for a long journey back home.  No matter the circumstances, the glory of God and his kingdom are present when his Gospel of salvation is present.  Jesus himself pointed to this when he was about to heal the body of the paralyzed man after telling him he was forgiven.  Before healing the man, Jesus said, “Which is easier:  to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?”

As we go through Epiphany and recall the powerful miracles of Christ, we may often wish we could experience such miracles in our own life.  The truth is, we do.  The faith worked in our hearts by the Holy Spirit that connects us to Christ and his forgiven is the greatest miracle of all.  To heal a human body cost Christ nothing.  To save your soul cost him his life.  Epiphany reminds us of what is really important in our lives and in our worship:  the forgiveness of our sins.  No matter how many or how few people are surrounding us, when you are spending time with Christ in his Gospel, the glory is present.

Take some time to read Matthew 2:1-2 to recall the visit of the Magi and consider how blessed you are to know Christ as your Savior and to experience the glory that is your forgiveness through him.

In Christ,

Chaplain Robert Weiss

“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and the bowed down and worshiped him” (Matthew 2:11)

Easter Retreat – March 28-31 in Heidelberg

We are quickly approaching our European Chaplaincy’s Easter Retreat, which will be held at the Jugendherberge Heidelberg International  from March 28 through Sunday, March 31.  Here is the general plan for the retreat:

Thursday, March 28

• Dinner at the youth hostel
• Maundy Thursday worship
• Fellowship time at the youth hostel

Friday, March 29

• Breakfast at the youth hostel
• Bible study/kids activities
• Lunch at the youth hostel
• Free time to explore Heidelberg
• Dinner at the youth hostel
• Good Friday worship service
• Fellowship time

Saturday, March 30

• Breakfast at the youth hostel
• Bible Study/kids activities
• Lunch at the youth hostel
• Free time to explore Heidelberg
• Dinner together at a local restaurant
• Fellowship time together after dinner

Sunday, March 31

• Breakfast at the youth hostel
• Easter Sunday worship service
• Group Picture
• Depart for home

The address for the Jugendherberge Heidelberg International is: Tiergartenstraße 5, 69120 Heidelberg.  The website for the Jungenherberge is: www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/heidelberg/. I will be sending out a sign-up form for everyone interested to register.

We look forward to worshiping and spending time with many of you at the retreat!

In Christ,

Pastor Weiss

Fall Retreat 2024

We will hold our Fall Retreat on November 1-3 in Nürnberg.  Our place of lodging is the Jugendherberge Nürnberg, located in the old city city-center immediately adjacent to the Kaiserburg.  Further information on this will be distributed as the Fall Retreat approaches

Change of Worship Date at Wicker

Due to a scheduling conflict, we will worship at Wicker on Sunday, February 4, at 11:00 am instead of January 28.  This is a one-time schedule change and we will continue with our regular schedule of every second and fourth Sunday of the month on February 11.

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Saying goodbye to folks we have come to know and love has become very real and bittersweet for us these past weeks. Do you know what goodbye means? Of course, we all do. But where does the word come from? In the late 16^th century in England it began to be used as a contraction of “God be with ye.” And that is Helen’s and my sincerest wish and prayer for you all. God be with you.

We thank God that he has kept you all close to him in places and life situations where you have had to make a real effort to continue in the Word and worship. It’s not like there is a WELS church (or three, for that matter) nearby. And we pray that he continue to strengthen you and your families through the Word and keep you faithful to your Savior wherever your path leads in this life.

Our path is leading us to retirement in Madison, Wisconsin. And we look forward to starting a new chapter there. We will miss the friends we have made in Europe and hope we can keep in touch, at least a little bit. Our new e-mail address is [email protected]. Many of you have Wisconsin connections so if you are passing through Madison, drop us a line. Maybe we will meet again there. But there are no maybes about where we will surely meet again – at Jesus’ feet.

God be with you till we meet again,
By his counsels guide, uphold you,
With his sheep securely fold you …
‘Neath his wings protecting hide you,
Daily manna still provide you.
God be with you till we meet again.
CW327

Our Offerings

In June €270.00, U$40.00, and CHF400.00 were received in basket offerings. €1400.00  were received as direct deposits.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion,  for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7,8

From Pastor Weiss

Pastor Weiss reports that he and his wife will arrive in Germany on August 24 and begin services on September 3 following the established schedule. He has sent this note:

“Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” (Matthew 13:52)

As I have been preparing for my transition out of parish ministry and into the role of WELS European Civilian Chaplain, my thoughts have turned to the path God led me on up to this point in the ministry and the new life and work that God has set before me.  In the above passage from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is reminding us that there is always more to learn about the Word of God and that the Holy Scriptures are an ever-flowing spring of wisdom and knowledge to apply to our lives.

Those who serve in the military experience life in a way that is different to most in civilian life.  They have joys, frustrations, challenges, and spiritual needs that are unique to those serving in our nation’s armed forces.  The teachings of our Lord will apply to them in ways that differ from those not living the military life.  As a pastor, I look forward to using the skills, education, and experience God has blessed me with to minister to the needs of our WELS military members serving in Europe.

While our lives and circumstances are always changing, the Word of God never changes.  The ancient message preserved for us in the Bible is a treasure that will feed our souls and encourage our hearts as we live out our lives in a sinful world. Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins and open for us the way to eternal life.  On our pilgrimage toward heaven, we walk together and Jesus walks with us, comforting us, strengthening us, and guiding us to the heaven he earned for us.  I look forward to sharing those precious treasures in Scripture with our military members and to be part of the fellowship of believers in Europe.

In Christ,

Pastor Weiss

About Pastor Weiss

Pastor Weiss’ interest in near eastern archaeology and ancient languages led him to consider the pastoral ministry.  After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2004 he was assigned to Little Rock, AR, where he began his parish ministry and also learned about ministry to the military through the many military personnel who passed through the congregations during his ten years there.  In 2014 he accepted a call to serve a parish in Collins, WI, where he currently serves. His professional interests include archaeology, ancient and confessional languages (especially Hebrew and Aramaic), ministry to the military, and ancient and medieval history.  When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, family and friends, traveling, hiking, and participating in sports such as cycling, cross-country skiing, and biathlon.

About Rachel Weiss

Rachel grew up in a large family in a small town in Wisconsin.  After getting a degree in English at Wisconsin Lutheran College she developed an interest in cooking, decided to go to grad school for nutrition, and started work as a Registered Dietitian.  In her free time she enjoys fencing in tournaments, spending time with family and friends, reading, hiking, and getting more stamps in her passport.  Travel highlights include hiking the Swiss Alps, putting her high school German skills to use in Germany, and blackwater rafting in the glowworm caves of New Zealand…but just spending time with her husband, no matter where they are.

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But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

May is a month full of holidays and celebrations. In Germany, May 1^st is the holiday that celebrates all workers—their Labor Day. On the second Sunday in May, people in many countries around the world honor their mothers. They usually give gifts of cards, flowers, and special dinners. In the United States, May 31^st is Memorial Day. On that day, Americans remember those who gave their lives to preserve peace and freedom. It also marks the unofficial start of summer with parades and parties.

May is also a month for Christians to celebrate the special church festival of Pentecost.  It comes exactly seven Sundays after Easter. This year that will be on May 28^th. We usually don’t have special church decorations—maybe just a banner or special altar flowers. We usually don’t exchange gifts or enjoy elaborate meals. But we do usually sing special hymns and hear sermons dedicated to the Holy Spirit. That is how Christians celebrate the day Jesus sent the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples.

 In Acts chapter 2, we read: The disciples were gathered together in one place when…”Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” What an amazing way for Jesus to send the gift of the Holy Spirit! And what a wonderful way to get the attention of the Jews gathered in Jerusalem for a festival of thanksgiving—their Pentecost. Many heard and believed Peter’s powerful message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament festival of thanksgiving became the New Testament festival of praising God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Tongues of fire, loud noises, and international multitudes of that first Pentecost are past. Now the Holy Spirt continues quietly working through his Word. He calls us. Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ (Romans 10:17). He enlightens us. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). He guides us to lead a sanctified life. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). And finally, he keeps us in the faith until we reach our heavenly home. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ,…will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast (1Peter 5:10) 

May our hearts and voices worship and praise the God who quietly and consistently works faith in our hearts and preserves us in that faith. To do that we can turn to our hymnals. They contain many hymns of praise to the Holy Spirit, which we sing in church. Those hymns are also an excellent resource for our personal devotions. Perhaps Martin Luther wrote this stanza to use in his family devotions. What a perfect Pentecost prayer!

Come, holy Light, Guide divine, And cause the Word of life to shine.
Teach us to know our God aright And call him Father with delight.
From ev’ry error keep us free; Let none but Christ our Master be
That we in living faith abide, In him, our Lord, with all our might confide.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

CW 176

Easter Retreat

From April 6-9, 52 people gathered in beautiful Würzburg for our Easter retreat. We enjoyed worship, Bible study, and fellowship – and a super Easter egg hunt. Enjoy these photos.

The group outside the Jugenherberge after worship on Sunday.

Children’s choir for Easter worship

The kids’ activity group

Call News

Pastor Weiss has accepted the call to serve as the next chaplain. His arrival date has not been determined yet. The Hartwigs will be leaving in mid-July.

For All Our Mothers

We give thanks to the Lord for faithful, Christian mothers. They care for us as God’s own and bring us up guided by His Word. We ask God’s special blessing upon our military moms. They often care for their families for weeks and months at a time while their husbands are deployed. May Jesus keep our mothers in his tender care as they continue to faithfully serve him.

Our Offerings

In April €154.00 and U$29.00 were received in basket offerings. €1400.00  were received as direct deposits. The retreat offering was €1047.50.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion,  for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7,8

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