October 30th, 2016
October 30, 2016 at Immanuel Lutheran Church
122 East 88th Street, New York, NY 10128
11 am – SUNDAY MORNING EUCHARIST, with sermon by theologian David S. Yeago, Professor of Systematic Theology and Ethics, North American Lutheran Seminary.
2:30 pm – PUBLIC LECTURE on “Music and Early Lutheranism” by Dr. David S. Yeago.
3:15 pm – RECEPTION in the church undercroft.
4 pm – FESTIVAL CONCERT: “WITH PEACE AND JOY I NOW DEPART” (click here to view PDF of the program) 17th-century funeral music by Heinrich Schütz and Johann Hermann Schein featuring Schütz’s “Musikalische Exequien,” together with Luther’s hymn on the Nunc Dimittis, “Mit Fried und Freud.” Performed by ARTEK and the Immanuel Choir with original instruments.
Welcome, always!
Some notes from Pastor Gregory P. Fryer on the Importance of the Reformation:
Christian Consolation
(Martin Luther, 1483-1546)
I once read that when Leonardo da Vinci died, one of the tributes paid to him went something like this: “God hath not the ability to create another such a one.” But this was wrong, not only in theology, but also in historical reality. For God had already created “another such a one.” In fact two: Michelangelo and Martin Luther. They all lived in the same age. Extraordinary blessings for humanity!
Martin Luther was a profound and productive scholar. The American edition of his works add up to fifty-four big volumes. And that is much less than the official German collection, which is over one hundred volumes, all written with a quill pen.
But the chief thing about Luther was that he was a pastor. He had a huge pastoral heart. He knew by personal experience that if the ultimate meaning of his life depended upon the excellence of his conduct, then he was lost. If eternity depended upon his merits, then he was lost. If he must one day stand before holy God and defend himself by pointing to his virtues, then he would have lived in vain. His reforming work was to shift the focus away from himself, toward Jesus Christ. Then he, and all people, could have some hope in life. Indeed, they could have joy living for Jesus and counting on him.
We detect Luther’s pastoral heart everywhere in his writings. A verse from his renowned hymn “A Mighty Fortress” is typical of the Christian consolation and boldness Luther desired for all people:
God’s Word forever shall abide,
no thanks to foes, who fear it;
for God himself fights by our side
with weapons of the Spirit.
Were they to take our house,
goods, honor, child, or spouse,
though life be wrenched away,
they cannot win the day.
The kingdom’s ours forever!
This is what Lutheran Reformation is about. This is why it is important: Your life of Christian love — both of God and of your neighbors — is worth it. Following along behind Jesus and living for him can lead you into great adventures. It can make you a true blessing on earth for your neighbors and for your loved ones. The rest, even eternity, you can confidently leave to Jesus. The kingdom’s ours forever! Amen!