Blessed New Year!

Melba Brehmer Funeral Sermon

Sermon for Melba Mabel Brehmer Funeral by Pastor Garth Wehrfritz-

Hanson; based on Eccles 3:1-15; Philip 2:1-2, 4:4-7; Matthew 5:14-16,

Saamis Chapel, Medicine Hat, one o’clock, December 23, 2010.

One thing we cannot predict is the time of death. Death often comes at

an unexpected time. Who wants to deal with death during such a season

as this? After all, Christmas is supposed to be one of the most joyful

times of the year. For us Christians, Christmas is a time for rejoicing by

celebrating the birthday of Christ our Lord and Saviour. As members of

Melba’s family, you folks were likely expecting to celebrate Melba’s 87th

birthday today—instead, here you are, attending her funeral. Death

during this Christmas season can be the most unwelcome intruder of all.

We might ask: “Why now? Why did death have to come now and rob us

of Christmas joy?”

   The answer to such questions, in part, comes from the Bible. The

author of Ecclesiastes chapter three tells us that, for every occasion in

life, there is an appointed time. As you know, we all have appointments

in life. So, too, from the spiritual perspective, God has an appointment

for every thing in life. Each one of us has an appointment to be born. We

all have an appointed number of days and years in which to live in this

world. The author also tells us that we all have an appointment to die.

Melba’s appointment came earlier this week. If you’re like me, you may

not have expected it. On Sunday, the last day I saw Melba—the day

before her passing, she seemed to be her usual lively self. She attended

our Sunday afternoon worship service at The Good Samaritan Society’s

facility, South Ridge Village, and was in good spirits. My last words to

her on Sunday were: “We’ll see you Melba.” To which she replied: “Yes,

you will.” I know that you and I, if we have faith in Christ, will see her,

however, now it may be awhile—at the appointed time, when we will join

her and all of the other faithful members of God’s people in heaven.

   When I think of Melba, and the times that I was privileged to spend

with her as the chaplain at our facility; the passages of the Bible that

were read earlier come to mind.

   In the words of Ecclesiastes 3:12, speaking of our life in this world, the

writer says: “I know that there is nothing better for them than to be

happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live.”

   And the apostle Paul, who seems to have both given joy to and received

joy from the Christians at Philippi, writes them saying: “…make my joy

complete….Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”

   If you are an observant person, often you can tell who a person is by

looking at their face. I know, judging from the face of your beloved Melba,

that she radiated happiness and joy. I loved looking into Melba’s eyes;

they were so expressive and so joyful. Her smile, which always seemed to

be on her face, was so kind and loving. Melba had a wonderful sense of

humour; she knew that laughter was the best medicine; she knew what

it was to be happy and joyful, and enjoy life right up to the end. What a

gift and blessing that is!

   One of my fondest memories of Melba is when she was still living in

cottage C. I came over to the cottage and had a weekly worship service

with the residents there. Melba would always be ready and willing to

worship with much joy and enthusiasm. I have a box of percussion

instruments that I give to the residents while we worship. Melba just

loved to play a little drum. She drummed out those hymns that we

played with much vigour and delight. Her joy was contagious; it couldn’t

help but rub off on you. We certainly made: “a joyful noise to the LORD!”

(Ps 100:1) Speaking of those old familiar hymns that we played; Melba

also loved to sing them. She knew them all by heart, without even

following along in the book—having learned them in her youth, when she

sang in her church choir.

   Melba was a lively, vibrant person. In our passage from Matthew’s

Gospel, Jesus says a light or lamp that is lit is not meant to be hidden

under a container. No. Rather, Jesus tells us to: “let your light shine

before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to

your Father in heaven.” When someone is baptized into the Christian

faith, the baptismal service includes these very words from Matthew’s

Gospel as the baptismal candle is lit and passed on to the baptismal

party—reminding everyone that our calling as baptized Christians is to

be a light of God’s kindness and love to others.

   I know that Melba was such a light to many residents and staff at

South Ridge Village. Whenever I was up on the second floor of our home;

I would inevitably meet up with Melba navigating down the hallways in

her wheelchair. She ambled about quite merrily; bright-eyed, with her

face joyfully shining—being a bearer of light to all who walked by or

stopped to greet her and chat. Melba’s lit-up, smiling face, with eyes of

love and laughter meant so much to our residents and staff.

   As family members, I know that you too were inspired and loved by

Melba. She was so joyful when she could spend time with you. She was

always happy when she could entertain; she was a people person; being

a good neighbour to others by caring for them in time of great need; not

thinking ill of others; rather, offering them encouragement. Yes, Melba

lived a very full life, and I thank the LORD for the honour and privilege of

having known her—as I’m sure you do.

   My hope and prayer for each of you today is that, like Melba, you could

let your light shine; be as committed to your family as she was; be a good

neighbour to others; not think ill of others; and offer them

encouragement. Most of all, my hope and prayer for each of you is that

you would be inspired by the joy that was given to Melba from Christ and

that she shared with others; that you too would be gifted with joy to

celebrate the birthday of Christ this Christmas. Even though you will not

be celebrating Melba’s birthday today; may you find peace and comfort in

knowing that she is now celebrating with Christ in heaven. Amen.

Write for Rights on December 10th

Tomorrow, December 10, 2010 is Amnesty International's Write for Rights Day. This is one of their promotion videos. You can also visit their website here and consider signing up to participate tomorrow. I'm writing on behalf of a Mexican priest.  

Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending

This beautiful Adent hymn, composed by Charles Wesley, is sung here by the Lichfield Anglican Cathedral Choir. One thing the Anglicans do extremely well is preach the Gospel through song with their choirs.

Pondering Wisdom

Anthony de Mello was a modern Jesuit who died young back in 1987. He was the Director of the Sadhana Institute of Pastoral Counselling in Poona, India. A member of the Jesuit province of Bombay, he was widely known in English-and Spanish-speaking countries for his retreats, workshops and seminars on prayer, and spiritual therapy courses—work in which he was involved for over 18 years around the world. He left a rich legacy of spiritual teaching through his written and recorded words.

Recently, I reread one of his works, One Minute Wisdom, (New York: Image Books Doubleday, 1988), which is in the tradition of classical wisdom literature—both biblical and non-canonical—as well as similar to the parables of Jesus. If you haven’t read this volume yet, here are three examples to spark your curiosity.

I. The Master gave his teaching in parables and stories, which his disciples listened to with pleasure—and occasional frustration, for they longed for something deeper.

The Master was unmoved. To all their objections he would say, “You have yet to understand, my dears, that the shortest distance between a human being and Truth is a story.”

Another time he said, “Do not despise the story. A lost gold coin is found by means of a penny candle; the deepest truth is found by means of a simple story.” (p. 23)

II. It always pleased the Master to hear people recognize their ignorance.

“Wisdom tends to grow in proportion to one’s awareness of one’s ignorance,” he claimed.

When asked for an explanation, he said, “When you come to see you are not as wise today as you thought you were yesterday, you are wiser today.” (p. 97)

III. A woman in great distress over the death of her son came to the Master for comfort.

He listened to her patiently while she poured out her tale of woe.

Then he said softly, “I cannot wipe away your tears, my dear. I can only teach you how to make them holy.” (p.132)

Advocates for Persecuted Christians

In several New Testament passages, there are references to the persecution and imprisonment of Christians. Jesus, in his eschatological and apocalyptic discourses predicts it. Luke in the Book of Acts mentions it several times; the apostles Peter and Paul speak of it; the author of Hebrews (13:3) speaks of it; the author of Revelation also refers to it. Jesus himself would endure such sufferings and says that any follower of his should expect the same. Indeed, such persecution and imprisonment was also viewed by the ancient church as a clear sign of one’s faithfulness to Christ.

What a contrast this is to the present state of Christendom in the affluent West! Here the masses flock to churches that preach a gospel of health and wealth. Christians and congregations are far too self-preoccupied; spending time and energy on petty conflicts about the colour of the church carpet; whining about their pastor’s long sermons; and complaining about singing too many new hymns.

Meanwhile, according to reports by organizations—including Christian NGOs—who monitor the violation of religious freedom around the globe; it is estimated that anywhere from 100 million to 200 million Christians are persecuted because of their faith in Christ. Yet, in the so-called mainstream mass media very little of this is covered or highlighted—one wonders why? Could it be that with an increasing secularization of the mass media, there is now a preferred bias against Christianity?

As Jesus taught in Matthew 25:40: ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ The apostle Paul, who described the church as the body of Christ with many members, yet one body, said in 1 Cor 12:26: “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it.” The 100 to 200 million Christians who are persecuted and imprisoned seek our support through our prayers and serving as advocates-ambassadors on their behalf to appeal to authorities for their safety, fair treatment, and release from prisoners.

In searching on Google, I discovered The International Day Of Prayer For The Persecuted Church website—the designated day was November 14 this year. On this website, there are 17 links to different Christian organizations who are involved in ministry to the persecuted Church. Many/most are evangelical, conservative or even fundamentalist theologically—one wonders why the more liberal and mainline denominations are not involved in this ministry—however, I do respect the work some of these organisations do. The Rev. Richard Wurmbrand’s (who spent 14 years in Communist Romanian prisons) organisation, The Voice of the Martyrs—there are also several links on the main website that take you to other national VOM websites, and PrisonerAlert.com, which assists readers in taking action—is one that provides practical information on how to be an advocate through letter writing directly to imprisoned Christians to encourage them as well as to government authorities.

I encourage readers to check out these websites, choose an organisation that you can support, and become involved by taking action through a ministry of prayer and advocacy letter writing. You may also wish to start a special group in your congregation or denomination. The possibilities are open. For as concentration camp survivor, Pastor Martin Niemoeller once said: “In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak.”

Aung San Suu Kyi

After spending seven and one-half years under house arrest in her native Burma [Myanmar], Nobel Peace laureate has been released. For how long this time, no one knows, and under how many conditions placed upon her by the military junta, again we cannot be certain. Suu Kyi is truly a courageous person, and ranks as a prophet as well as a leading political hero of her country—for she has remained totally committed to peace with justice and democracy in Burma. The injustice of the political situation in Burma has been, and continues to be, an almost insurmountable challenge for the citizens of that nation who work for a democratic society through peaceful, non-violent means. May world opinion and the providence of God bear enough pressure on the present leadership of Burma to orchestrate a peaceful transition from the military junta to a true, properly elected democratic government. God bless and long live Aung San Suu Kyi! You can read mother corps’ article on Suu Kyi’s release here.

Oct 26 and 3 Lutheran Hymnwriters

Today, October 26, Lutherans around the world celebrate 3 of three favourite hymnwriters: Philipp Nicolai, Johann Heermann, and Paul Gerhardt. All 3 were German Lutheran pastors. A popular Advent hymn by Philipp Nicolai is “Wake, Awake, For Night Is Flying.” A familiar Lenten-Good Friday hymn based on Isaiah 53 by Johann Heermann is “Ah, Holy Jesus.” My favourite all-time traditional hymn was written by Paul Gerhardt, “A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth,” a Lenten hymn based on Isaiah 53. You can learn and read more about these hymnwriters by clicking on their names and their hymns. Once you’ve clicked on a hymn, you can listen to the tune and sing along by clicking on Midi.

Prayer: O God of majesty, whom saints and angels delight delight to worship: Thank you for pouring out your Spirit on your servants Philipp Nicolai, Johann Heermann and Paul Gerhardt who, with the gifts of music, enliven our praises and proclaim your word with power. Through this ministry you have given us new awareness of your beauty and grace, and join our voices with all the choirs of heaven, both now and forever; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [ Prayer slightly edited from: Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 74 ].

Aaronic Benediction

This is an inspirational rendition of the Priestly/Aaronic Benediction in Hebrew.

Quotes on forgiveness

The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naïve forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget. –Thomas S. Szasz

With Christ’s prayer of forgiveness from the cross the universal religion of revenge is overcome and the universal law of retaliation is annulled. –Jűrgen Moltmann

Forgiveness is the economy of the heart…Forgiveness saves expense of anger, the cost of hatred, and waste of spirits. –Hannah More

Forgiveness is choosing to love. It is the first skill of self-giving love. –Mohandas K. Gandhi

The idea is to rescue myself from the role of a victim. That I have a choice left. Though I can’t change what has happened, I can choose how to react. And I don’t want to spend the rest of my life being bitter and locked up. –Tori Amos

 

Blessed Thanksgiving

Douglas John Hall's essay in Christian Century

Canadian theologian, Douglas John Hall, who taught theology at McGill University in Montreal, has written an essay on "How my mind has changed," in the Christian Century. Hall, I've often thought, is more of a Lutheran than a devoted United Church member. Why he did not become a Lutheran is difficult to understand, given his insights into and gravitation to Martin Luther and his theologia Crucis [theology of the cross]. Hall is still very counterculture when it comes to the modus operandi of mainline North American denominations. He believes that the majority of North American denominations have missed Jesus' teachings on the "small things" [e.g. his saying on salt and yeast] and their value are paradigmatic for an ecclesiology of the cross in our present day context. You can read his essay here. 

Christian aid agencies suspended from Somalia

According to Ecumenical News International, three Christian Aid agencies have been suspended from Somalia by an Islamic militant group, Al Shabaab. In spite of all three groups insisting that they have not engaged in proselytising, they have been falsely accused of it and are now suspended from Somalia. Jesus said, "You shall know them by their fruit." I think that applies to both those within the Christian faith and those outside of it. Eventually one hopes and prays that the truth will set free those who are enslaved by corrupt and evil tyrants. May God help and have mercy on the people of Somalia who will face further adverse consequences from this oppressive suspension. You can read the article here.

Weird Church Bulletin Announcements

Over the years, I've come across some rather weird and eccentric church bulletin announcements. Recently my wife had some time off and visited a parish, which I won't name, and discovered this announcement:

Health Ministry Notice - "Comfort Boxes"

If you are feeling ill during the service and need a quiet place to rest or wait for an ambulance, a Comfort Box is located in the vestments closet in the Vestry. There is also a Comfort Box located in the entryway to the Parish Hall.

I'm left scratching my head as to what this announcement is actually communicating. First question, which may seem rather ignorant, but here goes: What's a Comfort Box? Second question: Does the announcement imply that Worship Services are bad for your health? I know that Worship Services can be dangerous in that they convict us of sin and work repentance and motivate us to a deeper, risky faith active in love, which leads to a cruciform lifestyle. However, I also believe that Worship Services are good for your health and bestow countless measures of hope, and joy, peace, goodwill, and love to those who attend often. Dear readers, what do you think? I'd appreciate it if you'd leave a comment.

Hiroshima and zero nuclear weapons

Today marks the 65th anniversary of the Americans dropping a nuclear bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The following trailer video emphasises the need to abolish all nuclear weapons. The possibility of terrorist groups accessing nuclear weapons is a scary reality in which we live today. Zero nuclear weapons would bolster the movement towards a more free, environmentally-friendly, and peaceful world for everyone.

Video of LWF president-elect

Here is a video of the new president-elect of the Lutheran World Federation, Munib Younan.

Flower Friday

Marigolds

Pansy

Joyful, joyful we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love!

Hearts unfold like flow'rs before thee, Praising thee, their sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, Drive the gloom of doubt away.

Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day.

[Text: Henry van Dyke; Tune: Ludwig van Beethoven]

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come. [The Song of Solomon 2:12]

Book Review on Meltdown Iceland

Meltdown Iceland: Lessons On The World Financial Crisis From A Small Bankrupt Island

Roger Boyes

Bloomsbury US, 2009

256 pages, $31.00, Hardcover

During the 1990s and 2000s, Iceland had a group—quite small, about 30 altogether—of political and economic elitists; who were influenced by the free market ideology of Milton Friedman, President R. Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. These Icelandic politicians and business entrepreneurs were a new breed of people; abandoning traditional Scandinavian values for avarice and the premise that they could compete and win economically in the world markets.

These elitist Icelanders did everything within their powers to become numbered among the world’s rich and famous. They were frequent flyers to New York or London for dinner or a day’s shopping in the most expensive restaurants and shops of the world. They rented posh hotel rooms or purchased trendy flats in New York, London, Copenhagen and elsewhere.

In contrast to most Icelanders; who were content to live a modest lifestyle by often combining fishing with farming or small businesses; the new breed of Icelanders came up with creative ways and schemes to invest their money through their national banks, which they had privatised. The problem was that they spent more than they earned. Yet, living in denial of the financial crisis of Iceland and the larger world; the new breed of Icelanders kept on taking risks with their investments and racking up even more debts.

The end result of Iceland’s free market, right-wing economics and politics was that their nation went bankrupt. Now Iceland is forced to its knees and has to receive loans with conditions from the International Monetary Fund. Consequently, the burden of debt for every Icelandic household is astronomical—likely; it is estimated, requiring three generations to pay it off. If life for the younger generations becomes too hopeless; many of them may seek better opportunities by immigrating to other countries.

As payment for their debt; some foreign governments who invested in Iceland are making the case for their right to have access to Iceland’s natural resources—primarily water and geothermal energy. Iceland views this as a threat to their national sovereignty. It seems the future of Iceland remains rather uncertain—will they be able to retain their national sovereignty or are they destined to be a satellite province of one or more of the other Scandinavian countries?

Quotation from Laurens van der Post

"Life decreed that I survive it, unlike a great many people who deserved to survive more than I did. In that sense, it was significant. I think everything in life is significant. But it's dangerous to look back--though it's good to remember. Look what happened to Lot's wife. Remembering is an act of making the past present. Looking back is an act of wishing the present into the past."

Luther's colourful language

Luther’s colourful language

One of Martin Luther’s hobbies [or perhaps it was a hobby horse that he rode quite often] was to hurl insults at the devil. The language Luther employs can be colourful and earthy. Here is an example:

“It’s the supreme art of the devil that he can make the law out of the gospel. If I can hold on to the distinction between law and gospel, I can say to him any and every time that he should kiss my backside.”

ABT Synod Convention

I am presently attending our Alberta & the Territories Synod Convention at my old alma mater, (Camrose Lutheran College) now called Augustana, which is now part of the University of Alberta. The Convention theme is: "Rooted in Christ; Clothed with Joy."

   Highlights for me so far are: a) the opportunity to connect with others-colleagues, parishioners, friends. In this sense, it is a family reunion type of atmosphere. b) The worship and especially the music under the direction and leadership of Dr. Joy Berg has been excellent and very inspiring. c) The opportunity to learn more and share about what's going on in our synod and our national church. This afternoon, I went to a workshop led by Pastor Kevin Powell on social networking media and the church, which was most engaging and informative. Well done Kevin!

   If you're interested in learning more, check out our Synod website here and click on the "Convention Moments" link.

Funeral Sermon for Gary Wayne Bruce

Funeral Sermon for Gary Wayne Bruce, based on Ps 23; Rev 21:1-6 & Jn 14:1-6 by Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson, May 13, 2010.

We do not know what the future holds. Our life consists of both the known and the unknown. If Gary, or you Martha, or all of you other family members and friends of Gary here today had to choose—I’m sure that neither Gary nor any of you would have chosen Gary to become ill and have that illness claim his life. Death comes to us all; yet, we struggle to accept it—especially when it claims a loved one whom we were hoping would live among us for many more years to come. Yes, I am certain that the loss of your loved one, Gary hurts you. At times like this we turn to God for help; who, like a Good Shepherd, promises to be with us.

In the twenty-third Psalm, the psalmist reminds us that God is not far away from us. Rather, in the psalmist’s words: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me…” Your beloved Gary has now passed through the valley of death. You feel his absence and miss him. Your tears are tears of pain and loss. There is an empty place deep inside your lives because Gary is no longer with you.

Yes, Gary has passed through the valley of death. To say this is not to be macabre, but to face life truthfully. Too much of our life is spent ignoring or repressing this reality and that is another reason why the death of a loved one affects us so deeply; we cannot avoid facing the power of death over us.

Yet, we trust the promise of God our shepherd, who through the words of the psalmist, said: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me.” Notice in these words that the valley of death is not our final destination. No. Rather, we walk through it. Just as a loving shepherd leads their sheep from dangerous to safe places; so God takes us by the hand and walks with us through death and leads us to the safe place of life everlasting—if we trust in God.

Here I am reminded of two other promises from the Bible that re-affirm this promise in our Psalm of God being with us. In Matthew’s Gospel, in fulfillment of a prophecy from Isaiah; when Jesus was born one of his names is Emmanuel; which literally means God is with us. And, in Matthew’s Gospel, the last words Jesus says to his disciples in the form of a promise are these: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” What a wonderful promise that is! Such a promise helps to ease your loss—giving you assurance about the eternal destiny of your loved one. The cross did not ultimately kill Jesus and keep him in the grave. No. Rather, God raised Jesus from the dead and Jesus has promised that he is with us always—even and especially during our most difficult times in life. We can count on him and place our trust in him and his word—which has the power to create new hope and new life.

So, in the midst of your sorrow and hurt; as you remember Gary and mourn his loss; I invite you to hear the following words of comfort and promise from God’s word: God's good news, which seems too good to be true—yet, it is true. Hear then what God’s word promises, in the Book of Revelation: “To the thirsty I will give water without price.” By contrast, the world says, “everything has a price tag.” Not so with God. God’s ways are not our ways; and so God promises: “To the thirsty I will give water without price—as a gift.”

Listen also to this promise from Revelation, God: “will wipe every tear from our eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away. And he who sat upon the throne said, ‘See, I make all things new.’” That means God makes Gary new too. Whatever problems, shortcomings or sufferings Gary had in this life will be taken away. Yes, some of us—preachers like me—may have wished he would have come to church. Yes, a few of us here today wish we could have been given the opportunity to know Gary more, yet, none of us knew him as thoroughly as God does. Thus it is ultimately into God's mercy that all of us shall find refuge. We may stay awake nights and worry, perhaps too much, about standing before the Judge of all peoples—including you and I. If we can approach the Almighty with faith as Christians, we can picture that day as a day of great joy, not a day to dread. You see, not one of us has a perfect faith. When the LORD asks, “Do you want justice?”, the best answer is “No, please LORD, I want mercy.” Another word for mercy in Revelation is “thirst,” asking for free water. The world answers “no” too often, but God says: “To the thirsty I will give water without price from the fountain of the water of life.” In the name of God Almighty, and for the sake of our brother, Gary, we ask for mercy, through the resurrection power of Jesus the Christ—who has conquered the powers of evil, sin, and death.

Today, in the church year, we celebrate Ascension Day, which is forty days after Easter Sunday—hence, it always falls on a Thursday. On this day we remember Jesus, who, as we confess in our Apostles’ Creed: “ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” In our text from John, Jesus hints at his ascension too when he promises that he is going to his Father’s house where there are many rooms; and he is going there to prepare a place for us. In this sense, Jesus by ascending into heaven is opening the doors of heaven for us. The ascension then reaffirms Christ’s divine saving power, and his place of honour beside God the Father in heaven.

So, may our hope and prayer for Gary and for you and me be the same as these words of scripture that we sing in the liturgy of the church, “Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, abounding in steadfast love.” Amen!

Funeral Sermon for Fred Stuber

Funeral Sermon for Frederick Stuber

Based on Ps. 23, Rom 8:31-39 & Matt 7:12 By Pastor Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson,

Chaplain, South Ridge Village, Good Samaritan Society, Medicine Hat, AB May 6, 2010

A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, a dear friend, and kind neighbour, Frederick Stuber, is no longer with us. Those who loved and knew Fred shall certainly miss him. Fred will continue to be loved and remembered for his friendliness and kind qualities.

Fred had a big heart, loved conversation and coffee row. Because of his friendliness and kindness; he knew everyone and everyone knew him. He always enjoyed being with his friends and family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren had a special place in his heart. At times he loved to tease. Those who shared Fred’s companionship shall surely miss him. If he were able, I’m certain Fred would say thank you to his family and friends, the staff at South Ridge who came to know, love and care for him; and, he would also express his deepest gratitude to his loving wife Joan, who faithfully provided for his needs and was with him every day.

In Psalm 23, we are given a beautiful picture of a God who is like a loving, caring shepherd. A God who is always with us, providing for our needs, and protecting us from danger and harm. A God who walks with us even in our most trying and difficult times. A God who walks with us even to the end, to lead us through the door of death, into life everlasting.

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are here to embrace Fred’s family as they mourn his death. We are also here with them today to listen to the Good News of Scripture. During times like this, we can be overwhelmed by our emotions, it is important to hear the words of faith, words which keep us on track through the good and difficult times of life. The apostle Paul’s words from Romans assure us that there is nothing—not hardships, nor poverty, nor danger, nor disease, nor illness, nor the unknown, nor death itself—nothing in all creation can sever our relationship with God in Christ. Nothing can separate us from God’s love, and that’s the Greatest News we could possibly ever hear!

We can depend on God’s love, which constantly surrounds us; creating the bedrock of our faith. What a wonder it is and how beautiful it was demonstrated in Fred’s life. Christ’s love strengthened him, empowered him, even as he became increasingly ill. And it is comforting to know that, should you and I be stricken with illness or disease as Fred was, we will not be separated from the love of God in Jesus our Lord and Saviour.

We have experienced God’s love here together today as it surrounds us and flows through us. God’s love will also accompany us as we go from here to begin our daily routines. The LORD promises to go from here with us; encouraging us through loved ones and friends. His Holy Spirit ministers to us—providing us with strength, comfort, and hope day-by-day. God’s grace gives us a solid foundation for the living out of all our days, regardless of what happens. Christ’s healing and resurrection presence embraces us; so we can look forward to the future. Whatever the future holds for you and I—God’s love will be there to lean on, rest in, and grow stronger. Nothing in all of creation—not even death can separate us from the love of God thanks to Jesus our Lord and Saviour’s victory over sin, evil and death through his suffering on the cross and his resurrection. Jesus rules! We who believe in Jesus and the winning power of his resurrection shall, when we die, share in a resurrection like his. That is something wonderful to look forward in hope for!

Fred was a man of deep faith in Jesus, and for that we thank the LORD. One of the deepest values and beliefs of Fred, which he practiced in his life, is the central message of Christian faith—namely, to love, care for, and be kind to one another. Psalm 23 certainly provides us with an excellent example of God’s love and care for us, and God’s kindness toward us.

Jesus, in Matthew’s Gospel, chapter seven, verse twelve, teaches us the true meaning of kindness, which is often referred to as the Golden Rule: “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” Fred strived to live up to this teaching of Jesus by looking for the good in everyone. That is certainly something all of you can strive to do, as you remember Fred and are inspired by this way of looking at and treating others. By doing to others as you would have them do to you, you love your neighbour as yourself. A wise person once said that God is as close as our neighbour. Therefore, to love and care for our neighbour is indeed to love God. Fred demonstrated his love by his love and kindness to his wife, children and grandchildren; and by his many kindnesses and friendliness in the community. I know I witnessed Fred’s kindness and friendliness to others at South Ridge Village. While he was still able to walk; I remember how he would enjoy walking in our building in order to mingle with others and greet them. Later, when he was confined to the wheelchair, Fred would still enjoy peoples’ company and give them a big smile, shake their hand, and his eyes would light up.

And so, we can give our thanks to God our Good Shepherd, God our loving Father, and Jesus his Son, who provides us with all that we need in this life and the next. We can give thanks to God for the life of Fred. God who has called Fred to a better place, where peace, joy, and love have no ending. God who offers you here today his comfort, kindness and love, and provides for all of your needs now and in the future. God who, one day, shall call us all to that better place, to dwell with him and our loved ones forever. Until then may our prayer be:

O God our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, Still be our guard while troubles last And our eternal home! (Lutheran Book of Worship #320, Isaac Watts) Amen.

God's Covenant with Abraham

In Genesis chapter fifteen, Abram (Abraham) is in conversation with the LORD. Initially, in the holy presence of God, it seems that old Abe is fearful, shaking in his sandals—since the word from the LORD is one of reassurance: “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” So, in the face of old Abe’s fear, the LORD promises protection and a “very great reward.” How often do we fill ourselves with fear in the face of God’s presence at work in our lives? How often have we missed the LORD’s words of comfort and reassurance that he is with us and wants to give us a generous blessing?

As the conversation continues, Abram wants to know what God will give him, since he is not getting any younger, and he and Sarai are still childless—more and more from old Abe’s perspective, it seems that Eliezer his slave is destined to be his heir. However, that is not God’s plan. Abram is told that “no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” I wonder why the phrase “very own issue” is employed here; this phrase does not remind me of a human heir—rather, it reminds me of something like a newspaper or magazine, “Extra, Extra, read all about it in Old Abe’s Times, Vol. 3, No. 5, Issue 7.” So why the phrase “very own issue”? Why not “your very own son”? Or is this a subtle way of God telling old Abe that the gift of life vis-à-vis Abram and Sarai really comes from God alone, by changing Sarai’s barren womb into a fertile one?

At any rate, old Abe is given another reassurance that the LORD would make good on his promise to him by employing an example from his creation. It’s a beautiful clear night and God takes Abram outside and says: “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them. So shall your descendants be.” WOW! What a promise! Old Abe and Sarai on their way out of this world and wondering if the promise of a child is pure fiction; then God’s voice speaks the word of promise and true to his word; the word of promise becomes reality because if God can employ words to create the universe, then surely the LORD can speak a word of promise to these two old seniors combine his creative word with their ability to procreate and give them a child. Moreover, that child, says the LORD, shall be the first-fruit of as many children as there are stars in the heavens.

Do we see the promises of God at work in our lives? What about the generosity of the LORD, are we aware of the countless blessings as we journey through life? At times, like old Abe and Sarai, God delays his promises and gifts and makes us wait. Is that because we are not capable of receiving them at a time when we deem it appropriate; or is it a matter of God having to work behind the scenes and between the lines to orchestrate everything before it comes into reality? With God all things are possible. May we believe as old Abram did, and may the LORD reckon it to us as righteousness.

Sermon for Nick Knebel Graveside Service

Message for Graveside Service of Nick Knebel,

based on Mk 4:3-9 & Phil 3:20-21

by Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson,

Chaplain, South Ridge Village, The Good Samaritan Society,

Medicine Hat, Alberta

As I thought about Nick, two Bible passages came to mind. In my visits with Nick, he would reminisce about his past life as a Saskatchewan farmer. Jesus who was familiar with the farming life in ancient Palestine taught one day by telling a parable of a sower who went out to sow his crop. As he spread the seeds onto the field he had no control over what happened to them once they fell on the ground. The parable tells us that the seed fell on the pathway where birds ate it up; on rocky ground where seeds had no place to lay down roots, so they were scorched by the Middle East sun; other seed fell among thorns, which choked the grain to death; yet other seed fell on good soil and produced a healthy crop of thirty, sixty and a hundredfold.

I’m sure Nick could relate to this parable of the sower and seed, since as a farmer, he did the same thing year-after-year. He, like the sower, had to wait on God in faith for the crop to grow and eventually be harvested. And like the seed falling in different places—not all of Nick’s crops were likely as successful as he would wish every year because of weeds, insects, and weather conditions beyond Nick’s control. Yet Nick kept planting the seed, trusting that God would provide a harvest. In this way Nick was doing what God had called him to do. He was, as a farmer, contributing to society, by providing crops, which would be harvested and then produced into food products to feed human beings. That was Nick’s calling in life, and he did it faithfully year-after-year.

Explaining the parable, Jesus said God’s people, particularly preachers, sow the seed of God’s word. The seed represents God’s word in the parable. And the amazing thing is that the word works in peoples’ lives to give them faith in God and all other kinds of gifts and resources to live meaningful lives. So God’s word is spread and meant to be shared with others, just as Nick’s crops were meant to be harvested and then shipped away to produce products for people to eat. By feeding on God’s word we grow deeper in our faith in Christ and that faith too is meant to be shared with others so that they can grow into a deeper faith in Christ too.

In my visits with Nick, he would also speak occasionally of his homeland in Romania and the long journey he made from there to immigrate here in Canada and settle on his uncle and aunt’s farm in Saskatchewan. The apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:20-21 speaks of citizenship. He says we are citizens of heaven. Nick left his citizenship of his homeland behind in Romania for a new citizenship here in Canada. Once he became a citizen here, he was entitled to all of the privileges and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship.

The same is true, says Paul, of our citizenship in heaven. One day, we shall “immigrate” to our new homeland, leave Canada behind, and become full-fledged citizens in heaven, our true, eternal home. That’s the promise in our Philippians passage that now, by the LORD’s grace, Nick shall be a beneficiary of; and that too is a promise we look forward to one day.

According to Paul, our citizenship entitlement and inheritance shall involve a huge change. Christ, our Lord and Saviour “will change our weak mortal bodies and make them like his own glorious body, using that power by which he is able to bring all things under his rule.” In other words, it will be Easter for us all, as our powerful LORD will resurrect our bodies to be with him eternally in heaven. Nick’s old, tired, worn out body will now be changed into a new, spiritual body as a citizen of heaven. By God’s grace, so will ours! That is my hope—I hope it is yours too! Amen.

David Housholder's Essay

Over at David Householder's Journal, there is a thought-provoking essay on "Why Lutherans Can't Evangelize." He makes the case that we Lutherans don't have a missiology or an eschatology, you can read the essay here. What do you think? Do we Lutherans need to come up with a missiology and eschatology in order to evangelize or not?

CLWR Haiti Appeal Video

Here is a short video produced by Canadian Lutheran World Relief recently on the work in Haiti.

Wm. Sloane Coffin on Justice

The Rev. Wm. Sloane Coffin reminded me a lot of the 20th century version of the prophet Jeremiah. His voice was--and in some cases, still is--worth listening to. Here are a few examples of Sloane Coffin at his best, from his book, Credo:

   Not to take sides is effectively to weigh in on the side of the stronger. (p. 50)

   The Bible is less concerned with alleviating the effects of injustice than in eliminating the causes of it. (p. 50)

   To know God is to do justice. To recognize this implacable moral imperative of the faith represents the kind of religion that mixes well with politics. (p. 51)

   To believe you can approach transcendence without drawing nearer in compassion to suffering humanity is to fool yourself. There can be no genuine personal religious conversion without a change in social attitude. (p. 51)

   Compassion and justice are companions, not choices. (p. 51)

   Hell is truth seen too late. (p. 53)

   The word "homeless" is devastating, suggesting neither comfort nor companionship, dignity nor grace, and precious little identity. To have no place is to be no place. Homlessness is nowheresville--whether you're one of the world's 14 million refugees, a boat person from Indochina, one of Calcutta's 400,000 semi-starved sidewalk dwellers, or one of the 36,000 who in New York City spend so much of their time huddled in doorways, wrapping themselves in the Daily News. (pp. 54-55)

   The biblical reminder is clear: whatever our economic system, the enemy is excess, not possessions. The battle cry is "Enough!" not "Nothing!" "Enough" so that we can all break bread together, so that everyone's prayer can be answered--"Give us this day our daily bread." (p. 57) 

   The way we are cutting taxes for the wealthy and social programs for the poor, you'd think the greedy were needy and the needy were greedy. (p. 61)

   God is not mocked: what is grossly immoral can never in the long run be politically expedient. (p. 100)

Amen! and Lord, have mercy on us all...

Easter Day Resurrection of our Lord

Christ is risen by GW-H [i.e. DimLamp]

"Here the true Pascal Lamb we see, whom God so freely gave us,

who died on the accursed tree-so strong God's love!-to save us.

See, his blood now marks our door; faith points to it; death passes o'er,

and Satan cannot harm us, Hallelujah!"

-Martin Luther, #370, Evangelical Lutheran Worship

Good Friday

The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

[Isaiah 53:6] by GW-H [i.e. DimLamp]

About Maundy Thursday

About Maundy Thursday

Ever wondered where the name Maundy Thursday comes from and what it means? Well, there are at least three different traditions. Perhaps all three of them are historically based and valid.

In one tradition, this name is rooted in the Latin word mandatum, meaning “command,” in memory of the new commandment that Jesus gave his disciples on this day to love one another.

According to a second tradition, traces the origins back to another Latin word mundo, meaning “wash.” On this day, Jesus showed his disciples a perfect example of what true servanthood means by washing their feet.

In a third tradition, this day is based on the word maund, which means “basket.” Christians would give out baskets of food to the poor, and distribute specially minted coins called maund money, and eventually purchased by coin collectors.

In thinking of the origins of Maundy Thusday, I’m reminded of a famous quote by Church historian, Professor Jaroslav Pelikan: “Tradition is the living faith of the dead. Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living.” As you, dear readers, celebrate Maundy Thursday today, may it indeed be an expression of the living faith of the dead!

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir

This is beautiful! Perhaps the wave of music in the future.

I'm back at Blogger again!

Hi again world! My friend and colleague, the Rev. Canon Gene Packwood  just moved his blog back to Blogger, and I was quite impressed with what he's done. So I caught a bit of his enthusiasm and came back too. I'll keep my WP blog as well and likely post different material here. So, stay tuned...