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ZION NEWSLETTER  Volume 20, Number 3
The Summer issue
June/July/August 2005

Link to Main Archive of Pastor's Messages from Zion
Pastor Roggelin's Archive:
Past Messages From Zion

Pastor Roggelin's Resume and Links

Wenn dein Kind dich morgen fragt …
When your child asks, in time to come …

(5. Mose /Deuteronomy 6:20)

Dear members and friends of Zion,

This message comes to you as a sort of postcard from the 30th German Protestant Kirchentag, held in Hannover, Germany during the last week of May – in what turned out to be the hottest May days in decades. This biennial convention is always a huge event, attended this year by some 105,000 people participating in over 2,500 services, workshops, and presentations – among them your Pastor.

One of the traditions of the Kirchentag is its changing motto, with daily Bible studies exploring it. This year, the motto clearly focused on our responsibility for the generation to come. I chose to attend Bible studies presented by Angela Merkel, candidate for chancellor, Eberhard Jüngel, distinguished theologian, and Richard Rohr, Franciscan Friar from Albuquerque. There were also panel discussions on everything from church unity to globalization; presentations, concerts, daily services, and a huge “market of possibilities”. Children had their own “center”, and many presentations explored answers for situations “when your child asks, in time to come…”.

Kirchentag, like all festivals, is a festive disruption of daily routine – a time to rediscover and reaffirm one’s faith through fresh encounters, to learn, to meet, and to reopen one’s horizon.

From time to time we all need such a time. Summer, with its slower pace, and often a vacation, is for many a time to relax. As we take a break from every day business, we often open up for thoughts that we normally think we cannot afford: we turn to a good book, enjoy nature, music –and open up our souls for an encounter with our creator and redeemer.

For us here at Zion, the summer months give us a respite in the midst of our anniversary year. It is hard to believe that we are already half way through (as well as it is hard to believe that is already five years in September that I have been here…).

It is time to give thanks for all those who have helped us celebrate so far, giving us freely of their time, talent, energy, and money. I have just been looking at the commemorative booklet – and it looks great.

Hopefully the summer months will see the repair of the church’s slate roof as voted on at our last congregational meeting; the planning of the elevator will proceed to more detailed stage, and we will be identifying a painter for the church.

It is my hope you will use the summer both for getting some rest and for re-affirming your personal participation in and commitment to our ongoing celebration.

Think about the Kirchentag’s motto: Wenn dein Kind dich morgen fragt / When your child asks you, in time to come: What did you do during Zion’s 250th anniversary?

Look at our program and make some plans for the second half of this year:

Ø      Which events will you attend?

Ø      When do you plan to bring family and friends?

Ø      Where can you offer some volunteer hours?

Ø      How can you help us with our projects like the elevator?

Ø      And whom can you approach to also buy a ticket for the Hilary Hahn Gala concert on December 22?

 

O God, give us times of refreshment and peace in the course of this busy life.
Grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds
that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.                                                                                       (LBW)

See you at your (newly air-conditioned!) Zionskirche; have a blessed Summertime!
Eine gesegnete Sommerzeit wünscht Ihnen Ihr

Pastor Dr Holger Roggelin

Geh’ aus mein Herz und suche Freud
In dieser schönen Sommerzeit
An deines Gottes Gaben
Schau an der schönen Gärtenzier
Und siehe wie sie mir und dir
|: Sich ausgeschmücket haben :|

In Summer's warm and sunny days,
My Heart, arise and sing the praise
Of God's all-bounteous favor;
Behold, His hands the gardens fair
Have decked with blossoms everywhere;
Come, praise your God and Saviour.

Der Weizen wächset mit Gewalt
Darüber jauchzet jung und alt
Und rühmt die große Güte
Des, der so überflüssig labt
Und mit so manchem Gut begabt
|: Das menschliche Gemüte :|.

The wheatfields ripen in the sun,
Let those who see it, everyone,
Behold their Father's goodness;
Who gives us daily bread to eat,
Who succors us with slumber sweet,
And gives us strength for rising,

Ich selber kann und mag nicht ruhn
Des großen Gottes großes Tun
Erweckt mir alle Sinnen
Ich singe mit, wenn alles singt
Und lasse was dem Höchsten klingt
|: Aus meinem Herzen rinnen :|.

Nor silent can my own tongue be,
I'll tell what God has done for me,
His mighty deeds reviewing;
I'll sing how His love sought and found,
I'll sing how He is faith's strong ground,
My heart with Grace renewing.

Paul Gerhardt 1656 (German Hymnal #  503)                                                                                                       tr. Erich Lettbecker 1999
                                                                                                                                                            http://ingeb.org/Lieder/GehAusMe.html

PS: This is a summer issue covering the three months of June, July, and August.
The next newsletter will be published for September/October and mailed to you at the end of August.

 

 

Pastor Roggelin's Archive of Past Messages From Zion

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