„Der Herr ist Gott, der uns erleuchtet.
Schmückt das Fest mit Maien bis an die Hörner des Altars!“

„The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up to the horns of the altar.”

(Psalm 118:27; English: New International Version)

(Photo of Sanctuary by Louis Rill on May 15, 2007)

Dear members and friends of Zion,

Those words from the ancient Psalm appointed for Pentecost, Psalm 118, ring especially true and inviting this year, as we are rejoicing in the newly reorganized and repainted face of our sanctuary.

“He has made his light shine upon us” – if you haven’t experienced it yet: there is such a difference to be felt when you enter our church and are exposed to the new clear and bright Altar wall.
It is kind of beaming with light and color.

The nicest sanctuary, however, would be no good were it not for the congregation that assembles in it and uses it for worship and praise, for the preaching and hearing of the gospel and the celebration of the sacraments. This is how we believe God’s spirit works: “the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy, and kept me in the true faith, just as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and makes holy the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one, common faith.” (der Heilige Geist hat mich durch das Evangelium berufen, mit seinen Gaben erleuchtet, im rechten Glauben geheiligt und erhalten; gleichwie er die ganze Christenheit auf Erden beruft, sammelt, erleuchtet, heiligt und bei Jesus Christus erhält im rechten, einigen Glauben; Luther’s explanation of the Creed’s Third Article in the Small Catechism)

A contemporary statement from our church, the ELCA, makes it quite clear: “The worship of the assembly, rather than architectural or artistic expression, creates sacred space. Architecture, furnishings, works of art, liturgical vessels, and other elements reach their noblest aim when they facilitate the sacred celebration of the people gathered for worship.” (Renewing Worship: Principles For Worship, 2002, p. 71)

With the painting and reorganization of the wall by removing the curtain and finding another place for the Luther painting, and by placing a casing to indicate the space of the window that once was there, we have successfully tackled what had become an obstacle for a sacred celebration for some – and have given ourselves a momentum to re-invigorate our efforts to facilitate that sacred celebration whenever we assemble.

For sure, our wish list is still long – but step by step we are making a difference. There is a good chance that we will be able to paint the rest of the downstairs walls and windows before Advent – with your help and support this is possible!

Please be invited to “join in the festal processions” to give thanks to God, to feel his light shine upon you, to be called, enlightened and made holy – on Pentecost and Trinity Sundays, and each and every Sunday!

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

Pastor Dr. Holger Roggelin

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.

A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR ROBERT LEAVERTON  

Dear People of Zion Church,

            I thank you for all the generous support, kindness, prayers, and love you have offered to me on my journey through seminary. I was deeply touched by your caring affection that you conveyed to me and my family, friends and fellow pastors at my ordination. I offer thanks to Pastor Roggelin for his kindness, guidance, support, and care that he offered to me not only during seminary but I am especially grateful for his time and effort in helping plan and prepare my service of ordination.

            I want to thank all the Zion people who participated in my ordination service. Steve Brown faithfully followed in his son’s footsteps and was an excellent crucifer; Phoebe and Matthew Bennett-Hassaine were our faithful torchbearers; Simonne Cruz was the Gospel bearer and offered her gift of expressive reading of the first lesson. I thank our assisting minsters Bernie Penner and Richard Hershberger for their gifts at the altar during communion, Richard’s offering of prayer, and Bernie’s reading of the epistle. I thank Susanne Ridenour and Bonnie Brobst for assisting with communion. I want to especially thank Zion’s faithful ushers for their gracious expression of hospitality and service: David Tabler, Bruno Niemann, Lewis Bringman, and Frank Hobbs. I also am grateful for the fruits of their labor of Bishop H. Gerard Knoche and Pastor William Gohl preacher, who provided us with the Word. A special thanks to Ellen Solomon and the women of Zion who helped her present such a wonderful reception. The people of Zion can be proud of the beautiful presentation of delicious food and the generous hospitality we offer to friends and guests.

             I am thankful that Zion has been my home congregation, the church that brought me back to my faith and shed light on the path that led me to be a Lutheran pastor. I am thankful for the saints both here and departed who have been fellow pilgrims with me on this faith journey. You all have helped in my formation of who I am today and I am grateful and thankful for all that you have imparted to me. I will take many experiences and memories with me as I begin my service to the people of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Absarokee, Montana. Thank you for sharing the journey with me. All the best to the people of Zion Church of the City of Baltimore.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Robert

Pastor Robert Leaverton,
Immanuel Lutheran Church