Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:2

Happy New Year! We begin another year of God’s grace thanking him for the goodness, love, and power that has carried us along. We ask him now to renew our faith in his merciful care and grant us courage and peace as he guides us through the coming year. Indeed, this new year begins in the same way each day begins—with our earnest prayer and praise.

How did January 1^st come to be the special day to celebrate a New Year?

Fireworks over the Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany

In the Old Testament, the Lord chose the seventh month to begin a new year. Speak to the people of Israel, saying, “In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation.” Lev 23:24. This is the “New Year’s Day” that is celebrated in Israel today, as a time to bless others and wish each other a sweet (like honey) new year. Synagogues hold special song and prayer services. We know this holiday as Rosh Hashanah, usually occurring in September or October.

Ancient Roman coin from the Roman Empire

Shortly before the New Testament era began, January 1^st became the day the world now welcomes in a new year. It began with Julius Caesar. He instituted January 1 as the first day of the year, by adding 67 days to 46 B.C. so 45 B.C. would begin on January 1. Conveniently this new date honored the month’s namesake—Janus. He was the Roman god of beginnings, whose two faces allowed him to look to the past and forward to the future. Caesar had the right idea, but the wrong god!

On New Year’s Day, Christians honor the one true God. The God of time and eternity. The God who guided us in the past and will direct our future with his loving purpose in mind. Our eternal Savior will bless our New Year and make it truly happy. We can welcome in the new year 2023 with this prayer.

Help us, O Lord, for now we enter
Upon another year today.
In you our hopes and thoughts now center;
Renew our courage for the way.
New life, new strength, new happiness
We ask of you—oh, hear and bless.
CW 70

January Worship Schedule

• January 8, worship in Wicker at 11:00 and Ramstein at 16:00.
• January 12, worship in Munich at the Jan Comenius Grundschule at 18:30.
• January 14, worship at Vilseck at 10:00. Note the new time, one hour earlier.
• January 15, worship in Switzerland at 11:00.
• January 22, worship in Wicker at 11:00 and Ramstein at 16:00.

Easter Retreat

We plan to have an Easter retreat in Würzburg, April 6-9. We have reserved all the available rooms at the Jugendherberge and that should be enough space for all those who have tentatively indicated they plan to participate. If we were to get more attendees than we have rooms reserved, we will take volunteers to stay at a local hotel. The retreat will begin on Thursday, April 6, with dinner and worship in the evening. Both on Friday and Saturday there will be bible study and children’s activities in the morning with lunch at the hostel. Afternoons are free. Friday evening we will have worship. Saturday evening we will eat in a local restaurant. Sunday morning we check out of the hostel and then have our Easter festival. Plan now to attend!

Our Offerings

We thank the Lord for his undeserved love to us. In December  €325.00, and CHF200.00 were received in basket offerings. €2,963.37  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

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The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone.
Revelation 21:19

Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. Gemstones have been held precious worldwide
throughout the ages. Museums are filled with priceless gems and jewelry. Sparkling, colorful
jewels are beautiful, rare, and expensive. They show the world that someone or something is
esteemed and honored. One unique example of this can be found in the Old Testament.

The Lord instructed Moses to design a special breastplate for the high priest. It was to contain twelve precious stones—each inscribed with a name of one of the twelve tribes. The
magnificent breastplate was a visual reminder to the Israelites that the Lord was to be honored and that each tribe was precious to him. This is what they saw:
The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. Exodus 28:17-20

God’s children today are also precious to him. He has given us his Word to show his loving concern for us. In that Word he speaks of the glorious beauty of our heavenly home. When St. John describes it in the book of Revelation, his Jewish readers would probably see a similarity between the high priest’s jewel-covered breastplate and his vision of heaven.

The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. Revelation 21:19-21

As we approach the final weeks of the church year. Our hearts and minds turn to thoughts of
Jerusalem the Golden, where we shall finally see our victorious Savior. We will join the throngs
of saints who have gone before us and join with them in hymns of praise. We will see our
names written, not on twelve precious stones, but in the Book of Life! May Jesus keep our
hearts and minds focused on the heaven he won for us as we sing:

Oh, sweet and blessed country, the home of God’s elect!
Oh, sweet and blessed county that eager hearts expect!
Jesus, in mercy bring us to that dear land of rest;
You are with God the Father and Spirit ever blest.

CW 214

Heidelberg Fall Retreat

On November 4-6 We’ll be in Heidelberg for the fall retreat. Twenty-five people are signed up! Watch your e-mail this week for final details.

November Worship Schedule Changes

Please note the schedule changes for November.

• November 4-6, retreat in Heidelberg. Even if you have not signed up for the whole retreat, consider joining us for our Reformation service, 9:30 Sunday at the Jugendherberge Heidelberg.
• November 13, worship in Vicenza, Italy. We will not worship at Wicker and Ramstein on the 13th!
• November 17, worship in Munich at 18:30.
• November 19, worship at Vilseck at 10:00. Note the new time, one hour earlier.
• November 20, worship in Switzerland at 11:00.
• November 27, we begin the new church year and will worship at Wicker at 11:00 and Ramstein at 16:00.

Christmas Eve Worship in Spiesheim

We plan to celebrate the Savior’s birth with a special service on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, at 14:00 at the Saengerhalle in Spiesheim. Kaffee and Kuchen will be served after the service. Plan to attend and bring friends!  There will be no worship on Christmas Day at Wicker and Ramstein.

Welcome to Wicker

A warm welcome to Martha Balge in our Wicker worship group. Martha lives in Mainz where she is studying for a master’s degree in German.

Our Offerings

In October €150.00, $10.00, and CHF100.00 were received in basket offerings. €26,543.08  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

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

Hallstatt, Austria

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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June is here and it’s the start of summer, vacations, and the day when we celebrate our fathers. As much as we love our fathers, their special day isn’t quite as exciting as Mother’s Day was. Do they get flowers and breakfast in bed? Not usually. If school is still in session, they might get handmade cards and gifts. And we might enlist them to grill burgers and brats instead of taking them out for dinner. After all, it is summer, too!

Fathers still appreciate the love and attention they get on Father’s Day. They are thankful for their new ties, sports jerseys and –if the budget allows–shiny, new power tools. Giving our fathers gifts shows them that we remember that they are a gift to us from God, our heavenly Father.

Christian fathers know that the Lord has given them privilege and responsibility to care for their families. They know that they should love and guide their children following God’s Word.  The letter to the Hebrews gives this example. ^“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?  If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.  Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them for it” (Hebrews 12:7-9). And St. Paul admonishes the Ephesian men: “Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).  By daily searching the Scriptures and praying for guidance, fathers can faithfully carry out their duties to their children.

But what about the children? God has advice for them, too.  Indeed, it is a command and the first one with a promise. Moses recorded it in his second book:“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” ( Exodus 20:12). The book of Proverbs reminds children to listen to their fathers (23:22) and thereby bring them joy (10:1). Our Heavenly Father is also pleased when we honor and obey our fathers. “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord“ (Colossians 3:20). May we also read our Bibles and ask the Lord to help us honor our fathers and mothers.

Thank the Lord for the gift of faithful earthly fathers. Ask the Lord to bless and keep us in his family. Finally, praise the Lord for being our gracious Heavenly Father.

Our Father, by whose name all fatherhood is known,
In love divine you claim each family as your own.
Bless mothers, fathers, guarding well, with constant love as sentinel,
The homes in which your people dwell.

CW 501

London Missionaries

We thank God that a seminary graduate, Conifer Berg, has been assigned as the second missionary to London. Pastor Hartmann plans to move with his family on July 15. Pastor Berg and his wife should arrive shortly after the Hartmanns.

Hartwig furlough

Pastor and Mrs. Hartwig will be in the States during July and August. Pastor Robert Weiss will fill in and conduct services on the Continent as usual during those months.

Our Offerings in May

€180.00, £125.00, $30.00, and CHF250.00 were received in basket offerings. €1,857.20  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

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He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Mt 28:6

Spring is here! The long, dark, cold days and nights are over. Purple and yellow crocuses pop up in the garden. Robins build their nests in among the leafy, green tree branches. Fluffy lambs and gangly calves romp in the fields and on the farms. It’s a time of renewal and rebirth.

Butterflies are a perfect symbol for this time of year. A lumpy, green caterpillar spends long, dark days in its chrysalis and finally emerges as a delicate, colorful creature. It’s no wonder that Christians have adopted the butterfly as one symbol for the resurrection of Jesus. Church windows, bulletin covers, and greeting cards have all used butterfly images. The message is clear. Butterflies remind us of new life, renewal, and hope. Above all, they remind us that Jesus rose from the dead.  But they are only symbols. You need to open the Scriptures to truly understand “the reason for the hope that you have” (1Peter 3:15).

All four Gospels declare that Christ was raised from the dead. St. Mark records the order in which Jesus proved himself alive to his followers. …he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons (16:9). Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country (16:12). Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating (16:14 ). Furthermore, St. Paul assures us that Jesus “appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time.” (1 Corinthians 15:6). Just imagine all the witnesses that carried the victorious message of the resurrection! We know that because Christ was raised from the dead, we too will be raised from the dead. We do have the sure hope of eternal life.  St. Peter says it this way: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you. (1 Peter 1:3-4). 

Praise be to God that Jesus was “…raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:4). It is through those Scriptures that we know that Christ rose triumphant over sin, death, and the devil on that first Easter morning. Praise be to Jesus that he appeared to so many people to prove his victory. Praise be to the Holy Spirit that he has given us saving faith in our risen Savior.  May we continue to be witnesses of our resurrection joy so that many more may join our Easter hymns of praise.

Easter triumph, Easter joy!
This alone can sin destroy;
From sin’s power, Lord, set us free,
Newborn souls in you to be. Alleluia!

CW 141

Upcoming changes to our worship schedule

Munich, Vilseck, and Switzerland

There will be no worship on the 14th, 16th, and 17th because of the Easter retreat in Heidelberg. We will have the regular schedule in May (May 12 Munich, May 14 Vilseck, and May 15 Switzerland).

London

The June service will be held on May 29 instead of June 5 due to the Queen’s jubilee celebration the weekend of June 5. And looking ahead, the August service will move from August 7 to July 31 due to the unavailability of the facility on August 7.

Wicker and Ramstein

There will be no worship at Wicker and Ramstein on April 24 because of the Easter retreat the week before.

Easter Retreat in Heidelberg

The Easter retreat is taking place, April 14-17 in Heidelberg. All the information for the retreat is here.  The website will be updated as more information comes in and participants will also receive information via e-mail.

Baptism at Ramstein

 

We thank God for the blessing of baptism for Piper Lee Angel on March 13. Congratulations to the happy parents, Katelyn and Axel Angel, and big sister and brother Phoebe and Enzo.

 

Our Offerings in March

€250.00, £30.00, and CHF310.00 were received in basket offerings. €25,677.95  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

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