St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church
←
→
Transkription von Seiteninhalten
Wenn Ihr Browser die Seite nicht korrekt rendert, bitte, lesen Sie den Inhalt der Seite unten
St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
65 Walnut Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 1N9
Tel: 204-775-6477
Email: stpetersoffice@mymts.net
March 2021 Website: www.stpeterslutheran.ca.
Pastor: Rev. Bjoern Meinhardt ~ 204-792-3346
Act Naturally
In Matthew 6, Jesus warns us three times that we must not be “like the hypocrites” when it comes to giving
alms, praying, and fasting. Jesus admonishes us that we oughtn't do these things in plain view of everybody – as
if we sought to reap public praise by engaging in these practices.
The word “hypocrite” is often used to describe a person who exhibits a wrongful attitude with regards to
worship and religious practices. While a hypocrite wants to fool others, he fools himself in the end as well.
The word “hypocrite” comes from the Greek language and is rooted in the world of ancient theatre. It means
“actor” or “stage player.” More literally, the word means “to be an interpreter from underneath.” After all, this
was what an ancient actor did: he was speaking “from underneath” a mask. In those days, it was common that
an actor played several roles. To indicate that he (back then, only men were allowed to be actors) impersonated
a different character, he simply switched masks.
The Buck Owens song “Act Naturally” comes to my mind. It is a song about an actor who wants to become
a big movie star. He dreams of fame. He hopes he might win an Oscar, one of the most prestigious movie
awards that one can receive. In order to achieve his goals, “all he's gotta do is act naturally.”
As I tie this context back to Jesus' “do-not-act-like-the-hypocrites” remark, I think that Jesus wants to tell us,
“Don't hide behind a mask. You don't have to pretend to be somebody you are not. Don't be such a show off.
You don't need to act like a movie star. You are a child of God. You can be yourself and act naturally. There may
be some tempting awards (like the Oscar) in this life, but God wants to give you another precious prize ... the
crown of victory, the crown of life” (see Revelation 2:12).
It should be self-evident: If we pray, give alms, or fast so that we gain the recognition and praise of our fellow
humans then we are doing these spiritual disciplines for the wrong reason.
After all God knows what we are doing and knows our intentions. He cannot be fooled for God does not see
as humans see; they “look on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
Instead we fare better to be who we are. Act naturally ... and the acts of charity and piety will follow suit.
Quite naturally!
Yours in Christ,
Bjoern E. Meinhardt, Pastor
1
Sich natürlich geben
In Matthäus 6 warnt uns Jesus dreimal davor, dass wir nicht „wie die Heuchler“ sein sollen, wenn wir Almosen
geben, beten oder fasten. Jesus ermahnt uns, dass wir diese Dinge nicht öffentlich vor aller Augen verrichten
sollen, als ob wir darauf aus wären, für ihre Ausübung von aller Welt gelobt zu werden.
Das Wort „Heuchler“ kann im Deutschen auch als „Scheinheiliger“ wiedergegeben werden. Es beschreibt eine
Person, die sich mit einer vorgetäuschten Hingabe am Gottesdienst und anderen spirituellen Handlungen
teilnimmt. Auch wenn ein Heuchler andere täuschen möchte, täuscht er letzten Endes doch sich selbst.
Hinter der deutschen Übersetzung „Heuchler“ steckt das griechische Wort „Hypocrites“, das in der
Theaterwelt verankert ist und einen Schauspieler oder Bühnendarsteller bezeichnet. Wörtlich übertragen,
bezeichnet das Wort einen Darsteller, der „von darunter agiert.“ Denn es war üblich, dass sich das Gesicht des
altertümlichen Schauspielers unter einer Maske verbarg, er (nur Männer waren damals auf der Bühne erlaubt)
also seine Rolle von hinter der Maske spielte. Ein Schauspieler konnte mehrere Rollen einnehmen. Wenn er
einen anderen Charakter darstellte, wechselte er ganz einfach die Maske aus.
Ich denke hier an das Lied “Act Naturally” von Buck Owens. In dem Lied geht es um einen Mann, der ein
Filmstar werden möchte. Er träumt davon, berühmt zu sein. Er hofft, einen Oscar zu gewinnen, die wohl
angesehendste Auszeichnung im Filmgeschäft. Um seine Ziele zu erreichen, muss er sich nur ganz natürlich
geben – “all he's gotta do is act naturally”.
Wenn ich diesen Zusammenhang auf das Wort Jesu anwende, dass wir nicht wie die Heuchler sein sollen,
dann denke ich, dass Jesus uns hier in etwa sagen möchte: „Ihr braucht euch nicht hinter einer Maske zu
verstecken. Ihr braucht nicht vorzugeben, jemand zu sein, der ihr nicht seid. Ihr braucht euch nicht groß
hervorzutun. Ihr müsst euch auch nicht wie Schauspieler geben. Ihr seid Kinder Gottes. Ihr dürft ihr selbst sein
und euch ganz natürlich geben. Sicherlich gibt es im Leben wunderbare Auszeichnungen, die der Versuchung
wert sind (z.B. ein Oscar), aber Gott möchte euch einen anderen Preis verleihen … die Krone des Sieges, die
Krone des Lebens“ (s. Offenbarung 2,12).
Es sollte klar sein: Wenn wir beten, Almosen geben oder fasten, um damit die Anerkennung und das Lob von
unseren Mitmenschen zu erhaschen, dann gehen wir diesen spirituellen Übungen aus dem falschen Grund nach.
Schließlich weiß Gott, was wir tun und mit welcher Absicht. Er lässt sich von uns nicht hinters Licht führen,
denn Gott sieht nicht, wie wir Menschen sehen; wir sehen, „was vor Augen ist; der Herr aber sieht das Herz
an“ (s. 1. Samuel 16,7).
Daher tun wir besser daran, wir selbst zu sein. Gebt euch ganz natürlich … und die Taten der Liebe und der
Frömmigkeit folgen dann. Fast schon wie von selbst!
In Christo, Euer
Björn E. Meinhardt, Pfarrer
Milestone Birthdays
Very special 90th Birthday wishes to
Gustav Rossel - March 17 and Erika von Kampen - March 21.
May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you.
Wedding Anniversary
God’s blessing and congratulations to Lilli and Rudy Mathwig
celebrating 60 years of wedded bliss on March 11.
2
Bible Study: A Faith Based Response to Plagues and the Pandemic
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the Covid-19 virus outbreak a pandemic. It has
impacted all of our lives since then. We also know that the virus has taken the lives of too many people.
There is not a day that goes by when we are not talking about Covid. It is, of course, not the first time that
humankind was hit by a pandemic. It is, most likely, a first for all of us. It leaves us overwhelmed.
With this Bible study, I want to take a broader look at the things that “plague” us (such as the current pandemic,
but not limited to it). In addition to our personal experience, the biblical, historical, and theological evidence
comes in perspective as well. A goal is also to explore the potential for renewal.
Here are some guiding questions: What can we learn from the Bible about plagues and epidemics, suffering and
healing? What can we learn from history? How did Christians demonstrate the love of Christ through their acts
of compassion at times of widespread disease? How does this effect our image of God? Are these expressions
of God's wrath or forebodings of the end times? How can we make sense of what is so difficult to explain? How
do we equip ourselves for and respond to these challenges to our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being?
In keeping it with the physical distancing provisions, the Bible study will be conducted through Zoom. [Could
be subject to change if in-person gatherings become permissible.] Herewith the details for accessing the Bible
study using ZOOM.
St Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church invites you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Bible Study
Time: Mar 13, 2021 10:00 AM Winnipeg.
[Dates until Apr 24, 2021
Mar 13, 2021 10:00 AM
Mar 27, 2021 10:00 AM
Apr 10, 2021 10:00 AM
Apr 24, 2021 10:00 AM]
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83912466416?pwd=WlBvQVpMdHg4OE44cEtKVGFaa1lXZz09
Meeting ID: 839 1246 6416
Passcode: 455619
Instructions for accessing ZOOM
(a) USING THE INTERNET: click on the link you received by e-mail; you’ll be prompted to check your audio
and microphone; start earlier than the meeting time to ensure you’ll be ready by the meeting time. You can also click on
the link given on the St. Peter’s website and use the given passcode. If you have the ZOOM app on your
computer you can enter the above ID and passcode to access the Bible study. You can also copy and paste the
above link into your search bar and then enter the passcode when prompted.
(b) USING THE PHONE: The local Zoom phone number is 204-272 -7920, you will be asked to punch the meeting ID
into the phone, and then the password numbers (from the email you received), then you’re in, you can hear and speak, but
you won’t be able to see people.
3
Communion Schedule:
If you wish to receive Communion at the church please call the office (204.775.6477) to secure a 15 minute
time slot on Wednesday mornings between 10AM and 12noon, and on Wednesday evenings, respectively,
between 6:30 and 7:30PM.
If you can't come to the church please call Pastor Bjoern (204.792.3346) to make arrangements for an
individual appointment.
Abendmahlszeiten
Wenn Sie das Abendmahl erhalten in der Kirche erhalten möchten, rufen Sie bitte das Gemeindebüro an
(204.775.6477), um einen 15-Minuten Termin zu vereinbaren entweder Mittwoch morgens zwischen 10 und 12
Uhr oder Mittwoch abends zwischen 18:30 und 19:30 Uhr.
Falls Sie nicht zur Kirche kommen können, rufen Sie bitte Pastor Bjoern an (204.792.3346), um einen
gesonderten Termin auszumachen.
In Case You Have Wondered: The Latin Names of the Sundays in Lent
The traditional names of the Sundays in Lent are based on the first Latin word from the antiphon of the Psalm
that is assigned for that Sunday. There is a phrase that helps you remember the starting letter – and with it,
hopefully, the name – of that specific Sunday: In (the) Right Order Learn Jesus’ Passion.
Falls Sie sich gefragt haben: Die lateinischen Namen der Sonntage in der Fastenzeit
Der traditionelle Name für die Sonntage in der Fastenzeit basiert auf dem ersten lateinischen Wort der Antiphon
des Psalms, der dem Sonntag zugeordnet ist. Der folgende Merksatz hilft hoffentlich nicht nur den
Anfangsbuchstaben, sondern auch den Namen für den Sonntag in Erinnerung zu behalten: In rechter Ordnung
lerne Jesu Passion.
In (the) In Invokavit Lent 1
Right rechter Reminiszere Lent 2
Order Ordnung Okuli Lent 3
Learn lerne Laetare Lent 4
Jesus’ Jesu Judika Lent 5
Passion Passion Palmarum Palm Sunday
4Invitation to a Lenten Activity: Arma Christi (“Weapons of Christ”)
The arma Christi (Latin for “weapons of Christ”) are not the weapons with which Jesus engaged in war
against others. They are, rather, a medieval art form to connect objects and items to his passion in a meditative
way. Each Sunday in Lent, a new object will be added and explained. Feel free to create your own arma Christi
display table at home. If you wish you can share your photos by sending them to Pastor Bjoern at
pastormeinhardt@mymts.net. If you grant permission, we would like to show your photos during the
stewardship moment in worship.
Eine Einladung zum Gemeindeprojekt in der Fastenzeit: Arma Christi („Waffen Jesu“)
Bei den arma Christi (Lateinisch für „Waffen Jesu“) handelt es sich nicht um Waffen, mit denen Jesus Krieg
gegen andere führte. Vielmehr geht es dabei um eine mittelalterliche Andachtsform, bei der Objekte zur Schau
gestellt werden, die zum Leiden Jesu beitrugen. Jeden Sonntag kommt ein neuer Gegenstand dazu, der auch
erklärt wird. Richten Sie sich doch bitte Ihren eigenen arma Christi Andachtstisch zu Hause ein. Wenn Sie
möchten, schicken Sie Ihre Bilder an Pastor Bjoern unter pastormeinhardt@mymts.net. Und wenn Sie uns die
Erlaubnis geben, möchten wir Ihre Bilder im Gottesdienst während des Stewardship Moments zeigen.
Budget Update: When we look at our January offerings and compare it
to last year, when we were all able to meet in person, some observations
are in order. January is usually not a strong month for giving. This
January we received $2,555.00 less than last year. On the other hand, our
expenses were also $2,210.00 less than last year. All this relates to the
fact that, in our congregational account, we needed to spend $6,283.69
more than we received in donations. Prepared by Jerry Roeh
5Council Update
Submitted by Barbara Schott
Making firm and definite plans has not been an easy process for our Pastor and Council and we thank you, the
congregation, for your patience and understanding as information keeps changing. If you are unsure of what is
happening, please phone or e-mail the church office or check the church website for updates.
As Covid restrictions opened up, this month in our province, Council had made the tentative plan, at our
February 15th council meeting, to consider opening for in-person services on Sunday March 7th. We had
agreed that we would only consider doing this after another review closer to the end of February. The majority
of council members felt that it was still too soon to open, and that we should wait another few weeks, to ensure
the numbers continue to trend downwards, before opening. The revised plan now is to open for in-person
services on Sunday, March 28th, which is Palm Sunday, and that will carry us forward into Holy Week, Good
Friday and Easter. If everything goes according to this plan, we will be grateful to be able to celebrate this
important time in the Christian calendar together. For those of you who would prefer to participate in the
services from home, Michael Zacharias will continue to film the services and they will be available on-line.
As mentioned in Jerry Roehr’s update, we’ve also had to adjust the date of the in-person AGM and it has been
tentatively scheduled for Sunday, May 30th. The AGM booklets are in the process of being completed and
these will be e-mailed or delivered to you.
Our church now has a ZOOM account and we want committee members & chairs to be aware of this in the
event you need to schedule a virtual meeting for your committee. Please contact the church office for the
information you would need to access the account.
Thank you for all of your kind words, prayers and cards following the death of my mother.
They have been a welcome comfort during this difficult time. Lynn Meinhardt
Starting in March we will be offering Holden Evening Services.
Please check out our website, stpeterslutheran.ca for further information.
6Here I am Lord
By Jerry Roehr
Here I am Lord is the title of a popular song within our church. The lyrics also say: “I have heard you calling in
the night”. As this song may be of a personal nature, it easily applies to our congregation as well. Sixteen years
ago, after several retreat session by our church council, our congregation adopted a Mission Statement which
reads:
It is the Mission of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church to build, support and serve a changing
community through God’s Grace.
Twelve months ago our church council decided to meet in several sessions to look at the Mission of St. Peter’s
in the years to come. We were to start with a blank sheet of paper and draw out a road map for the future. With
Covid-19 these sessions were not possible and we carried on with the business of the church through zoom
meetings.
Our annual meeting could not be held at its usual February date. It was postponed to March 14, 2021 and, with
a new church council resolution stated below, has now been scheduled for May.
Because of the COVID-19 restrictions, we are proposing to delay the AGM until May 30th and to
continue the operations as per year-book reports. Any objections to this action are to be received by
March 14th for consideration.
At our annual meeting we have the privilege to elect twelve persons to serve on our church council. This year
we need seven persons to have a full complement of twelve. Perhaps it is the lack of personal contacts which is
making it difficult to find faithful persons to serve. Perhaps some members have not said to themselves: “Here
I am Lord, it is I Lord”.
Our constitution tells us that we have to have twelve council members. What do we do? Should we change the
constitution to provide for a lower number and say to our congregation that our commitment is getting smaller?
Or do we leave the number at twelve (that may even be biblical) and hope that a post pandemic will motivate
some members to faithfully find their commitment to our congregation and serve? Perhaps we are in a new
“changing community or world”. This past, most difficult, year has shown us however that our congregation is
strong. Members and friends are committed to St. Peter’s. Our ministry, programs and mission support has
been unbelievably strong.
There is not enough time for our church council to have meaningful sessions to suggest a Mission/Ministry
Strategic Plan to go forward for consideration at our May congregational meeting. However, there is time for
each one of us to help formulate a 2021 and beyond plan of possible actions. In any event, we hope our next in
person annual meeting will allow for some meaningful discussion.
In the meantime, you don’t have to wait for the annual meeting to get involved in the business of the church.
Speak to Pastor Meinhardt or our council president Barbara Schott to explore the possibility of your
membership on the Church Council of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.
7Submitted by Jerry Roehr
Malawi President Chakwera has announced that Malawi will
receive its first consignment of the vaccine at the end of February.
It is hoped that 20 percent of the population, including healthcare workers etc., can be vaccinated. With
hospitals full and medical supplies in short supply, it needs to be seen how successful the administration plan
will be.
We can also report that all the students are back at school and instruction as well as other activities have
resumed. Also, construction activities are continuing. The March Kuwala Newsletter was sent to all St. Peter’s
sponsors. If anyone wants a copy of this newsletter please contact Jerry Roehr at: roehr@mymts. net or 204-
981-4239.
At the St. Peter’s Hall, the roof trusses in the seating area are in place and at the kitchen part of the building the
windows and door are finally installed. The kitchen equipment starts to arrive from South Africa but Covid 19
has caused a number of delays.
They are still waiting for the arrival of the second greenhouse hopefully without paying duty as it is an
agriculture building. The foundation and concrete floor for the second dormitory have been completed and
construction will continue as funds are received. At the same time materials are being ordered to begin
construction of the second teacher’s residence which St. Peter’s has sponsored. We hope to have pictures soon.
Meanwhile 100 more donated computers are being readied for shipment and a local IT company has agreed to
provide some teacher training via zoom. We are also informed that Tom Brook (formally with Canadian
Lutheran World Relief) has joined the Kuwala team to explore funding opportunities.
Any submissions to the April 2021 edition of the St. Peter’s Newsletter should be made 10 days prior
to the first Sunday in April. So, submissions for the March Newsletter should be made by noon
Thursday March 25, 2021. Submissions should be sent to Ortrud Oellermann at
stpetersnewsl@gmail.com
8Sie können auch lesen
