IT’S STILL ALL ABOUT JESUS: REFORMATION 2017
As we look back 500 years to the beginning of the Lutheran Reformation, check this
article monthly for a brief record and comments from the timeline of events that led up to
Luther’s posting of the Ninety-Five Theses in October of 1517, and the development of
events that followed.
In many ways we are entering the Reformation history in the middle of things. In March
1517 Martin Luther was carrying out duties that included priest (pastor), monk, professor at
the University of Wittenberg and charge of the university’s curriculum, preacher for both
the Augustinian monastery and the City Church in Wittenberg, and District Vicar of 11
Augustinian monasteries.
In this month 500 years ago, a special sale of indulgences came close to Wittenberg
(20 miles away), which soon led to Luther’s writing and posting of the Ninety-Five Theses.
Indulgences were (and still are!) the earning or sale of the forgiveness of the temporal
punishments for sins authorized by the Roman pope. Pope Leo X issued this particular
proclamation (“a bull”) of indulgence on March 31, 1515. The money earned from this
particular sale of indulgences was to finance the debt from the purchase of the office of
the Archbishop of Mainz and to build the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome.
TEACHER OPENINGS
Trinity Lutheran School-Riverton, WY has teaching openings for the 2017-18 school
term in the areas of Head Teacher, Kindergarten/Music, 1st grade, and part time teacher
assisting in 3rd-6th grades. Anyone who would be interested in applying for these
positions is asked to contact Susan Tucker, Head Teacher (307-857-5710). Please pass
this word on for us!
NEXT ROUNDUP…
… will be delivered to congregations around March 20 (April 2017 issue). Watch for it!
The Year of the Augsburg Confession
“...REMEMBERING YOU IN MY PRAYERS...” (Eph. 1:16)
For Krista Grams, daughter of Rev. Jeff and Kim Grams; she continues to experience
deep, untreatable headaches.
For Joan Stratman, who suffers from MS.
For Ralph Morris (St. James, Scottsbluff, NE) who is recovering from breathing
difficulties.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings
be made for all people...”
+++ 1 Timothy 2:1 +++
PASTORS AND CONGREGATIONS
Trinity, Riverton: Rev. Matthew Johnson returned the call. Another call meeting will be
scheduled in March. Rev. Vernon Boehlke, Assistant Pastor, is serving the vacancy with
assistance from Rev. Dr. Ron Garwood (Cody) and Rev. Dan Holthus (Casper).
Trinity, Rock Springs and Emmanuel, Green River: in discussions about entering into
a multi-parish arrangement. Trinity is being served by Rev. James Martin (Emmanuel,
Green River) during the vacancy.
Zion, Laramie: Rev. Mark Nierman returned the divine call. On February 12, 2017, Zion
called Rev. Darrell Debowey (Springfield, Illinois), who is now considering the divine call.
Zion is served by Rev. Mark Preus (St. Andrew’s, Laramie) during the vacancy.
Immanuel, Sheridan (Rev. Paul Cain): Rev. Sean Rippy declined the call as assistant
pastor and teacher in the school. The congregation will call again in March.
THE BRIDE CONFESSES CHRIST: THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION
The heart of the Lutheran Reformation is the doctrine of justification. It is also the
centerpiece of the Augsburg Confession (1530). Article 3 on Christ leads immediately to
the teaching that we are justified (declared righteous) before God by grace for Christ’s
sake through faith in Jesus Christ and His work for us (Article 4). But this justification
cannot be obtained except through the external Word of God, including the Sacraments,
through which we obtain the Holy Spirit, forgiveness, faith, and all the blessings of the
Gospel (Article 5). This faith is bound to bring forth the fruit of good works, which are
necessary for us to do as God commands (Article 6).
Article 4, Justification: “Our churches teach that people cannot be justified
before God by their own strength, merits, or works. People are freely justified for Christ’s
sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor and that their sins
are forgiven for Christ’s sake. By His death, Christ made satisfaction for our sins. God
counts this faith for righteousness in his sight (Romans 3 and 4 [3:21–26; 4:5]).”
Article 5, The Ministry: “So that we may obtain this faith, the ministry of teaching
the Gospel and administering the Sacraments was instituted. Through the Word and
Sacraments, as through instruments, the Holy Spirit is given [John 20:22]. He works faith,
when and where it pleases God [John 3:8], in those who hear the good news that God
justifies those who believe that they are received into grace for Christ’s sake. This happens
not through our own merits, but for Christ’s sake. Our churches condemn the Anabaptists
and others who think that through their own preparations and works the Holy Spirit comes
to them without the external Word.”
Article 6, New Obedience: “Our churches teach that this faith is bound to bring
forth good fruit [Galatians 5:22–23]. It is necessary to do good works commanded by God
[Ephesians 2:10] because of God’s will. We should not rely on those works to merit
justification before God. The forgiveness of sins and justification is received through faith.
The voice of Christ testifies, ‘So you also, when you have done all that you were
commanded, say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our
duty”’ (Luke 17:10). The Fathers teach the same thing. Ambrose says, ‘It is ordained of God
that he who believes in Christ is saved, freely receiving forgiveness of sins, without works,
through faith alone.’”
INTERNATIONAL LWML CONVENTION NEWS
Plan now to attend the 37th Biennial LWML Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico,
June 22-25, 2017. Have you heard that these special guests will be there?
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LCMS President Matthew Harrison will be the proclaimer at the opening worship
service.
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Rev. Allen Anderson, LCMS Rocky Mountain District President, will be the proclaimer at
the closing worship service.
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LWML Past President Ida Mall will be the keynote speaker.
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Deaconess Betty Knapp will be the Bible study leader.
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Wendysue Fluegge will be the song leader.
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Jan Struck will provide humorous interruptions as Katie Luther.
Please pray for our special guests and convention leaders as they prepare to help us
proclaim “Jesus Christ Above All.” Please consider volunteering to help with the
convention. Take advantage of a registration discount for serving at least two 4-hour
shifts. Send your Call for Workers form in as soon as possible to receive your assignment
and a discount coupon before you register. A packet with a special registration form will be
mailed to you; please do not use the form included in the Quarterly. For up-to-date
convention information, see future issues of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly or visit the
website at www.lwml.org/2017-convention. More details can be found on your district
LWML website www.wyolwml.org. Download the Call for Workers and Convention Logo
Polo Shirt order forms and share them with others.