Dear friends in Christ,
We continue our survey of Church History from the book of Professor E.A.W. Krauss from our St. Louis seminary of a century ago. This month we continue our look at Pastor F.K.D. Wyneken. This month as we celebrate All Saints’ Day and Thanksgiving we are reminded to give our Lord thanks for our faithful confessors of the faith, for our fathers in the faith.
45.1 [part 6]—Friedrich Konrad Dietrich Wyneken
For a long time, Wyneken had wished to travel to Germany to bring help for his German brothers. They had not rightly understood the letters he had sent over nor did they have the intended result. He himself wanted to go over in order to stir hearts and hands by the oral, convincing word.
On 04 March 1841 Pastor Schmidt wrote in his Church Newspaper (III, 87): We have learned through reliable sources, Brother Wyneken plans to travel to Germany next spring to work on getting missionaries from various mission schools for the west.
Wyneken, however, wrote quite unexpectedly on 20 April that he would not go to Germany (III, 124). He could not go until he had provided his congregation with a vicar.
Yet, just as unexpectedly, Wyneken got the help he needed to allow him to set out on his trip. He also needed this help when a painful throat illness made it almost impossible for him to preach.
Knape, a missionary sent by Gossner, arrived in May. Wyneken could have entrusted his congregation to him. In June three more missionaries, C.F.W. Drude, G. Bartels, and G. Jensen, arrived in Baltimore. G. Jensen, who had been sent over by the Stader Verein, went to Ft. Wayne. Wyneken confidently entrusted his congregation in Ft. Wayne to him during his absence. (IV, 87)
Accompanied by his young wife, Wyneken set out on his trip. In October 1841 he embarked in Philadelphia, where Pastor Demme, who at that time was Secretary of the Pennsylvania Synod, had supplied him with letters of recommendation to various mission societies in Germany.
When he arrived in his homeland, the first thing he did, of course, was to seek medical help for the ailment that had interrupted his blessed work. But he also soon began to work for the brethren in America and began work that would be crowned with great success.
First of all, he wrote to many influential people and described to them the distress of the Church in America and urgently asked them to ponder ways and means to remedy it. He especially wanted men who, for Christ’s sake, were already ready to take over the difficult mission work in our country.
Next, he sought to accomplish the same goal by oral reports, presentations and requests. He not only tried to arouse interest in the American church in his homeland and neighboring provinces, but he also undertook several long journeys, both to discuss with influential men the remedy for the spiritual distress and also to lay the matter on the heart entire groups and societies.
He hurried to Loehe in Neuendettelsau in Bavaria. At that time Loehe had acquired a certain prominence in the circle of believers. Wyneken was successful in completely winning this man over to his plans. Loehe promised help in every possible way, with advice and deed, with money and people.
In Nuremberg Wyneken was the guest of the factory owner, Volk. He had also introduced Wyneken to a merchant named Fabricius, who at that time held “missions hours” in his house. From there he continued on to Fuerth and gave a report in the school on the conditions of the church in America. Pastor F. Lochner, who at that time was a young man and an eye and ear witness, describes Wyneken’s appearance:
I hurried by the train that was to leave for Fuerth in the evening. When I arrived, the school room was bursting at the seams. At 8 o clock, Wyneken, accompanied by the pastors of Fuerth, appeared. Wyneken began after Kraussold, who at that time was the pastor but is now the Councilor of the consistory, had announced several verses to sing. All followed with rapt attention to his vivid descriptions of the condition of the American church, the flowing detailed descriptions of his mission activity and his unique observations that was part application and explanation of a word of Scripture and part showing the difference in the doctrine and practice between the right believing church and the fanatics. He especially focused on the activity of the Methodists. The climax of his description was that of a camp meeting. When he reached the exact moment when the individuals were invited to come up to the mourning bench, Wyneken suddenly went up to those next to him and who were sitting and standing very close, grabbed several of them by the hand and asked, ‘Don’t you too want to convert?’ I can still see how many looked at the speaker in fright; several even timidly stepped back as if they feared that there would be a Methodist conversion for all who were earnest! When he concluded his speech in which he pleaded for help for the forsaken brothers in the faith, he then personally went to the candidates, who at that time were numerous in Germany and who waited eight to ten years for an appointment, even though across the ocean the hungry were languishing in the desert. It was then 11 o’clock at night when the mission hour concluded; no one knew where the time had gone.
In Erlangen, he won over Professor Karl von Raumer who also promised to devote heart, mouth and hand to the American church. With true enthusiasm Wyneken later told of the friendly and hearty reception that he had received from him and of the true Christian spirit which he found in his family.
In April 1842 Wyneken was in Dresden where he succeeded in founding a “Society for the Ecclesiastical Support of Germans in North America”. Its task was to help out the distress in America both by sending suitable people to serve in school and church and also by contributing books and money. Later, at the mission festival, Wyneken went once again to Dresden and gave a fiery and moving address before a great assembly.
The Evangelical Lutheran Missions Committee also educated young people for America in their missions house. Mr. Wilhelm Hattstaedt was the first pupil to enter the institution for that purpose.
Wyneken then came to Leipzig on behalf of his dear mission field. Here too a society was formed to help the distress. It cooperated with the one in Dresden.
Under Loehe’s and Raumer’s assistance, Wyneken wrote a small tract that was printed and entitled “The Distress of the German Lutherans in North America: Your Brothers In The Faith In The Homeland Laid On Your Heart by Fr. Wyneken”. He describes in it a five-fold distress: 1. How the German Lutherans were almost completely without the blessings of the Church; 2. Their dangerous enemies they face with the many sects and the Roman church; 3. The great internal deficiencies from which the American church suffers; 4. How these conditions are a threatening danger for the future; and 5. What must happen and how it should be helped. (See Lutheraner, I, pg. 31)
The tract, which was written clearly and in Wyneken’s dynamic language, created a huge stir in the ecclesiastical circles of Germany and won many and prominent friends to its cause.
Loehe immediately began to prepare suitable young men whom he would be able to send as missionaries to America. In 1842 A. Ernst and J. Burger came over to take part in the mission work.
Wyneken’s cry of distress had also come to Dr. Sihler’s ears and entered his heart. He soon decided to go to America in order devote his strength to the church there. He arrived in 1843 together with P. Baumgart who first (1845) became a teacher in Baltimore and later a pastor in Ohio. (Cf. Lutheraner, I, pg. 31)
Still another beloved man joined Wyneken and came over with him in 1843—Mr. A. Biewend. Although he was definitely not suited to be a missionary the way his friend was, he still had outstanding knowledge together with loving tenderness and modesty. With that he served the church and that service certainly was of the greatest value to the church as soon as she began to organize herself. He first became pastor in Washington, D.C.
We also want to mention here that in 1845 Loehe published and sent over “in the name and on behalf of like-minded brethren in various districts of Germany” a “call from the homeland to the German Lutheran Church of North America.” It bore besides his own about 950 signatures, names of men from all stations and trades: certainly a firm proof that Wyneken’s word had not sounded in vain.
It is impossible to say in a few words how exceedingly rich in blessing Wyneken’s stay in Germany was for the American church. Let it only be so remembered and handed over to a later generation to describe it properly.
And we still have not mentioned the greatest and most glorious result of this stay in Germany.
So far Professor Krauss
LWML NEWS:
Good Day Ladies,
We had a very nice lunch at Jelly Beans for our Ladies’ Day Out. All who were there enjoyed the fellowship and good food.
We need to have a meeting 12 November after church. It will be short! We need to plan for cleaning the kitchen. This is our church and we need to take care of it, so please help.
Have a great month and hope to see you at the meeting. God Bless,
Carol, Pres.
Be sure to join us for our Fifth Sunday Lunch on 29 October after service. We have a pot luck theme and already we have a fine menu from those who have already signed up—some traditional favorites as well as some new selections.
THOUGHTS FROM LUTHER FOR ALL SAINTS’ DAY—01 NOVEMBER:
Consider the ancient generations and see: who trusted in the Lord and was put to shame? Or who persevered in the fear of the Lord and was forsaken? Or who called upon Him and was overlooked? For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; He forgives sin and saves in time of affliction. [Ecclesiasticus 2. 10-11]
The examples of the saints’ weaknesses are more important and bring more comfort than the examples of the great, splendid strength and other virtues that the saints had. I cannot be bettered by the fact that David killed Goliath, bears and lions because I cannot follow him in such courageous deeds because they surpass all my powers and thoughts. For by such great deeds the saints are extolled on account of the power and strength that they had as brave heroes. But when the example of the weakness, the sin, the terrors and the trials the saints endured are held before us like when I read the laments, sighing, terrors and anxiety that David had, that encourages and gives me a great comfort. Because I see that they are not destroyed and undone in their anxiety and terror but take heart and are comforted with the promises. Thus I conclude that I, too, should not despair.
ELECTION DAY 2017 IS COMING when we are called upon to decide on a candidate for a particular office. On this day may we remember our city, state and nation in prayer. Lord, keep our city, state and nation under Your care. Bless our leaders that we may be a people at peace and a blessing to other nations. Grant that we may choose trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and serve You faithfully in our generation. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
OUR CRACK RESEARCH DEPARTMENT TO THE RESCUE—in case you are working on a crossword puzzle: Black Market= A vast informal economy driven by human relationships, dense networks of social connections through which people trade resources and create value.
FOR HALLOWEEN
HALLOWEEN: The tradition of ‘souling’ and giving out Soul Cakes on All Soul’s Day, 02 November, originated in Britain and Ireland hundreds of years ago, from giving out bread on All Souls’ Day during the devout Middle Ages. Traditionally each cake eaten would represent a soul being freed from Purgatory. The practice of giving and eating soul cakes is often seen as the origin of modern day Trick or Treating, which now falls on Halloween (two days before All Souls’ Day).
Soul cakes were of different kinds. Formerly, some cakes were flat and oval. Others were plump and bunlike. There was a spiced-sweetened variety, and the sort that resembled a small fruit cake. All were rich with milk and eggs. Soul cakes as adapted to American tastes from early English recipes, make delicate tea-time or party buns. Instead of the saffron and allspice of the original cakes, use a few drops of yellow vegetable coloring as well as nutmeg and cinnamon. The following recipe is an adaptation of an old Shropshire formula. The light fluffy buns, delicious for any occasion, are especially appropriate for Halloween. Serve them hot, with plenty of butter and strawberry or raspberry jam. Accompany them with mugs of cider; or with hot chocolate, topped with marshmallows, for the young; or with coffee or tea for those who are older.
SOUL CAKES RECIPE
Makes about 24 large, 3 1/2-inch ‘cakes’
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups (340 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
3/4 cup (170 grams) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (170 grams) butter
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
2 tsp of apple cider vinegar
raisins (optional)
Instructions:
1.Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles cornmeal. Add the egg and vinegar Thoroughly mix all the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl sifted flour, spices, and sugar. Rub in the diced butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add in the beaten egg and vinegar and mix with a wooden spoon until it comes together into a ball. The dough will be firm. Use your hands to press the dough together into a ball, if necessary. Cover the bowl and chill for 20 minutes.
- Lightly flour a clean, flat surface and roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into large rounds using a cookie cutter. Use the end of a wooden spoon to press a cross shape into the cakes. Place the cakes onto the baking sheets and press raisins into the top of the cakes, if desired. Gather the scraps together and roll again until all the dough has been cut into cakes.
Bake, one sheet at a time, for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake tops are lightly golden. Can be eaten warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for about a week.
WHILE ON THE TOPIC OF BAKING—a parable from our Lord
And again [Jesus] said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”
St. Luke 13:20-21 (ESV)
Compared with other breads, two things are absolutely for delicious sourdough bread: sourdough starter and time. Whoever wants to make his/her own bread knows that this dough must be given at least 24 hours to “grow” before it can be baked. The real work is, of course, done by the lactic acid bacteria, which give the dough its lightness, its keeping ability, and its incomparable taste. Patience and confidence in the starter is imperative.
It is the same way in God’s kingdom in which all Christians stand and bake together in the “kitchen.” The impatient are terrible “bakers.” All certainly want the Church on earth to grow and for more people to come to faith in the Savior of sinners. All want to see in their life, in their congregation and Church that God is with them. But what they and we often lack is patience and confidence upon that in which the power is hidden. The rising sourdough in God’s kingdom is the mighty and life giving Word of God. We are not promised that that our speaking and work for Jesus will show quick results. But we can be sure of one thing: where the breadcrumbs of the saving Gospel are spread, there the Holy Spirit works in people. Let us be confident that all the waiting is worth it and that God will see to it that His final result—our heavenly banquet—will be complete.
Rise, Thou Light of Gentile nations, Jesus, bright and Morning Star; Let Thy Word, the gladsome tidings, Ring out loudly near and far, Bringing freedom to the captives, Peace and comfort to the slave, That the heathen, free from bondage, May proclaim Thy pow’r to save. Amen [TLH #498, 1]
[From: God Is For Us, 27 September 2017, Pastor Manuel Drechsler]
REMEMBER THE TIME CHANGE FOR 05 NOVEMBER: The tradition of using Roman numerals on timepieces was established by the early clocks on church towers. During the Crusades, the Church drew the line from the infiltration of heathen Islamic learning by banning the adoption of Arabic numerals on its clocks. To this day, most 'classic' clocks and watches have Roman numerals.
[Source: Watch Around Nr. 008 Autumn 2009-Winter 2010]
THANKSGIVING EVERY DAY!
One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. St. Luke 16.10
…. God richly blesses us in our earthly life: He gives us prosperity and health, peace in the heart and in our surrounds. He also equips us with gifts which we should not let go to waste. God wants us to serve others with what we have been given. He has not Himself told us what we should do in thankfulness. But we can help our fellow man with our gifts and give them joy. And that’s the Lord’s point. How do we treat the gifts entrusted to us? Do we use them in thankfulness in thanksgiving to the glory of our Lord?
We cannot earn heaven by it. That is certain. Eternal rescue is given us as a gift when we hold in faith only to Jesus as our Savior but our faithfulness and our zeal in little things shows whether our faith is earnest. Our fellow man is the witness to that. The good we do to them, the Lord regards as done for Him. On the Last Day He will say [St. Matthew 25.40]: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me.”
O God, Thou faithful God, Thou Fountain ever flowing, Who good and perfect gifts In mercy art bestowing, Give me a healthy frame, And may I have within A conscience free from blame, A Soul unhurt by sin! Amen. [TLH, 395, 1] By Dr. Gottfried Herrmann in God Is For Us, 10 October 2017
GOD’S THANKSGIVING JOY: God accepts our desires as though they were of great value. He longs ardently for us to desire and love him. He accepts our petitions for benefits as though we were doing him a favor. His joy in giving is greater than ours in receiving. So let us not be apathetic in our asking, nor set too narrow bounds to our requests; nor ask for frivolous things unworthy of God’s greatness. – St. Gregory Nazianzus
FROM OUR MISSOURI SYNOD’S STEWARDSHIP DEPARTMENT: Our Father in heaven has claimed us as His own. By the shedding of His Son’s blood, by the His death for our sins and His resurrection for our justification, God the Father has received us back into His family. By water combined with His Word, promise, and name, the Holy Spirit has taken up residence in us. We belong to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is in us, and we are in Him. And being in Him, all things are ours. In Him, we are richly and abundantly blessed. Our true treasure and wealth is that we belong to the most holy Trinity and everything that is His belongs also to us: righteousness, peace, eternal life. Even our temporal treasures are gifts from His fatherly divine goodness and mercy.
We receive our treasures from Him, and thus, as (good stewards of His varied grace,) (1 Peter 4:10) we manage them in such a way that they may be returned to Him. We bring them to Him, hallowed through prayers of thanksgiving and God’s holy Word, as an offering. Thus, all our possessions, as gifts from God, are also offerings to Him, from which we eat to nourish our bodies, share with our family, neighbors, and fellow Christians, with the poor and even our enemies, as holy things given by the holy God. His temporal gifts are blessings to and for us, and bring blessing upon us even as they are pressed into His service for His kingdom and the souls that receive them.
Thus we place all that we have into God’s hands, and He never fails to remember us and pours out the fullness of His promises upon us. We give thanks for all that He has done, is doing, and will continue to do. We give thanks by not taking for ourselves, but giving to all even as our heavenly Father has given to us.
As we prepare for the celebrations of Thanksgiving, may we all give thanks continually for all that we are and all that we have because of God’s providential care. And may we be all the more diligent in bringing everything that we have received from God to Him, so that He may bless it and employ it for the good of all — even for us. “For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance” (Matthew 13:12).
FROM THE LCMS FOUNDATION:
www.lcmsfoundation.org 800-325-7912 Ext 1684
Our Father in heaven has claimed us as His own. By the shedding of His Son’s blood, by the His death for our sins and His resurrection for our justification, God the Father has received us back into His family. By water combined with His Word, promise, and name, the Holy Spirit has taken up residence in us. We belong to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is in us, and we are in Him. And being in Him, all things are ours. In Him, we are richly and abundantly blessed.
Our true treasure and wealth is that we belong to the most holy Trinity and everything that is His belongs also to us: righteousness, peace, eternal life. Even our temporal treasures are gifts from His fatherly divine goodness and mercy.
We receive our treasures from Him, and thus, as (good stewards of His varied grace,) (1 Peter 4:10) we manage them in such a way that they may be returned to Him. We bring them to Him, hallowed through prayers of thanksgiving and God’s holy Word, as an offering. Thus, all our possessions, as gifts from God, are also offerings to Him, from which we eat to nourish our bodies, share with our family, neighbors, and fellow Christians, with the poor and even our enemies, as holy things given by the holy God. His temporal gifts are blessings to and for us, and bring blessing upon us even as they are pressed into His service for His kingdom and the souls that receive them.
Thus we place all that we have into God’s hands, and He never fails to remember us and pours out the fullness of His promises upon us. We give thanks for all that He has done, is doing, and will continue to do. We give thanks by not taking for ourselves, but giving to all even as our heavenly Father has given to us.
As we prepare for the celebrations of Thanksgiving, may we all give thanks continually for all that we are and all that we have because of God’s providential care. And may we be all the more diligent in bringing everything that we have received from God to Him, so that He may bless it and employ it for the good of all — even for us. “For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance” (Matthew 13:12).
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