Invitation to Visit the CHI Museum by President Harrison

Originally found on the WMLTBlog.

President Harrison would like to extend you an invitation to visit the Concordia Historical Institute Museum at the LCMS International Center in Saint Louis, MO. In this brief video, President Harrison provides a walk through tour with comment of the CHI Museum.

For the technically minded, the entire video was shot on an iPhone 4 and edited in iMovie on the iPhone. Granted it isn’t professional quality but is adequate for a quick, cheap (free) video of CHI.

Enjoy!

President Harrison's Autumn Greeting

Autumn Greeting from LCMS President Harrison from VimeoLCMS on Vimeo.

Here is President Harrison's Autumn Greeting based on 1 Peter 5, cast your cares on him. Another thing I like about this video is the Witness, Mercy, Life Together animated graphics.

Worship et al in Berlin

Bishop Schöne, President Harrison, Bishop Voigt in
St. Mariengemeinde in Zehlendorf (Berlin) -- Rev. Dr. Gottfried Martens Pastor

The Divine Service at St. Mariengemeinde in Zehlendorf, an area of Berlin, was a joy. The sanctuary was packed full. The service began with corporate confession and absolution; now this was not done in the typical Missouri Synod fashion (is there a typical Missouri Synod fashion? I haven't been to many congregations that use the Order for Corporate Confession and Absolution found in the hymnal.). In any case, after the general confession, the congregation was invited to the kneeling rail to receive absolution. Bishop Schöne and Pastor Martens then laid hands on every person's head and said, "Dir sind deine Sünden vergeben." ("Your sins are forgiven you.")

During the service, President Matthew Harrison preached on the text, "Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect." (My brief summary follows...) He began by saying that the New Testament isn't primarily about morality or ethics. The purpose of the Sermon on the Mount is not to teach ethics or morals. In fact, the ethical values found in the Sermon on the Mount are not much different from the ethics and morals taught in other religions. The purpose, he said, is to increase the law upon us. If you hate another person, you have murdered them. It is an increasing of the law. After expounding upon how heavy the law is from the Sermon on the Mount, he directed us to see Jesus. Jesus was perfect as his Father in heaven was perfect. The perfect Jesus sought out the imperfect. He healed the lepers. He sought out the sinner. The perfection of the Law is fulfilled when Jesus cried, "It is finished." There the perfect One redeemed imperfect people. Jesus only came for sinners. He came to save sinners and He has saved people like you and me.

President Harrison Presenting in the Fellowship Hall

After the conclusion of the service, there was a Russian style lunch and a presentation by President Harrison about the Missouri Synod. Just as many people in the Missouri Synod are not familiar with their brothers and sister in Christ in the SELK (Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church) in Germany, many people in the SELK are not familiar with the LCMS. One very noteworthy point President Harrison made was that the confession and theology of SELK gave birth to the Missouri Synod. You can read more about SELK here (the German page about SELK has much more information).

Bishop Voigt Presents President Harrison with a Gift
The history of the SELK

Bishop Voigt presented President Harrison with Quellen zur Geschichte selbstständiger evangelisch-lutherischer Kirchen in Deutschland (Sources on the History of the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany). This book gives the history of the independent Lutheran Church in Germany since the Prussian Union of 1817. It looks like a great book. You can read more about this book on the publisher's page here.

Closing hymn, "Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ"
(Lord Jesus Christ Will You Not Stay)

The afternoon came to a close with the singing of Lord Jesus Christ Will You Not Stay. This was the favorite hymn of Hermann Sasse.

Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ

Nikolaus Selnecker et al., 1611.

1. Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ,

Weil es nun Abend worden ist;

Dein göttlich Wort, das heile Licht,

Laß ja bei uns auslöschen nicht!

2. In dieser, letzt'n, betrübten Zeit

Verleih uns, Herr, Beständigkeit,

Daß wir dein Wort und Sakrament

Rein b'halten bis an unser End'!

3. Herr Jesu, hilf, dein' Kirch' erhalt,

Wir sind gar silcher, faul und kalt!

Gib Glück und Heil zu deinem Wort,

Damit es schall' an allem Ort!

4. Erhalt uns nur bei deinem Wort

Und wehr des Teufels Trug und Mord!

Gib deiner Kirche Gnad' und Huld,

Fried', Einigkeit, Mut und Geduld!

5. Ach Gott, es geht gar übel zu,

Auf dieser Erd' ist keine Ruh',

Viel Sekten und viel Schwärmerei

Auf einen Haufen kommt herbei.

6. Den stolzen Geistern wehre doch,

Die sich mit G'walt erheben hoch

Und bringen stets was Neues her,

Zu fälschen deine rechte Lehr'.

7. Die Sach' und Ehr', Herr Jesu Christ,

Nicht unser, sondern dein ja ist;

Darum so steh du denen bei,

Die sich auf dich verlaßen frei!

8. Dein Wort ist unsers Herzens Trutz

Und deiner Kirche wahrer Schutz;

Dabei erhalt uns, lieber Herr,

Daß wir nichts anders suchen mehr!

9. Gib, daß wir leb'n in deinem Wort

Und darauf ferner fahren fort

Von hinnen aus dem Jammertal

Zu dir in deinen Himmelssaal!

LCMS Board and Commission Orientation -- Day 1

Mrs. Barb Below Introducing

The LCMS Board and Commission Orientation

(Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Maggie Karner)

Before I began working for LCMS World Relief and Human Care, I paid little attention to the various boards and commissions of the LCMS. Before becoming a pastor, I paid even less attention. This is probably true for many people people. I probably became first aware of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations in college because this commission released statements on what the Missouri Synod believed, taught, and confessed. I first became aware of Synod in Convention my last year in college when Dr. Barry was elected President of the Synod. Later on, primarily due to controversy, I became aware of the Council of Presidents and the Synod Board of Directors. Until becoming a pastor, I do not have any recollection of other boards or commissions in the Synod. Even after becoming a pastor, the workings of these various boards and commissions were somewhat of a mystery. Once again, this is probably true for many people. After starting work at LCMS World Relief and Human Care, I received an education on boards and commissions, how they operated, and met many fine people who volunteered on these boards and commissions to further the work of the church. I thought some might be interested in a peak at what transpired on Day 1 of the LCMS Board and Commission Orientation.

President Harrison Addressing the Boards and Commissions

(Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Maggie Karner)

In recent memory, in the September after a Synod Convention, the various boards and commissions of the LCMS would gather around the time the President of the  Synod was elected. The convention in July 2010 not only elected a new President, but also greatly reduced the number of boards and commissions of the Synod. Today, Thursday, 9 September, marked the orientation of the two newly constituted boards -- the Board for National Mission and the Board for International Mission. The Synod Board of Directors, the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, and Concordia University System (hopefully in this late hour I have not forgot any other board) were also present for today's orientation.

Cantor Phil Magness

Orientation began with Vespers where Rev. Daniel Preus preached on 1 John 5:6 - 12. His theme was "witness." Witness was the first of three themes to be explored at orientation.

Orientation Theme -- "Witness, Mercy, Life Together"

President Harrison and Barb Below Examining 

Witness, Mercy, Life Together Banner before Orientation

Since the end of the Synod Convention in July 2010, President Harrison and his team have been working hard on how to categorize the work of the Synod -- Congregations, Districts, and International Center -- in light of the restructuring. Today, at the LCMS Board and Commission Orientation, "Witness, Mercy, and Life Together" was presented as a way to describe the work of the Synod using Biblical categories and themes. Witness, Mercy, and Life Together is the English phrase chosen for the Greek words Martyría, Diakonía, and Koinōnía. These activities describe the work of the church and are centered on the cross of Jesus. Martyría describes the witness, proclamation work (missions) of the church. Diakonía describes the church's work as a servant of mercy to those in need (human care). Koinōnía describes the church's life together with all its accompanying activities such as worship, schools, seminaries, church relations, et al. There are over 200 passages in the New Testament that use these words to describe the church's work, not including synonyms and other words within the same semantic domain. Just as a start you might want to look up 1 John 5:7 - 8 (Witness), Mark 10:45 (Mercy), and 1 Corinthians 1:9 (Life Together). This post isn't the best venue to go into all the details, but I wanted to provide a brief glimpse into orientation theme. In the coming weeks and months, you will hear more about Witness, Mercy, Life Together from President Harrison, his staff, and others in various publications and forums.

Mr. Kurt Senske, LCMS Synod Board of Directors' Member

Presented on "Boardsmanship"

(Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Maggie Karner)

1st Vice President Herb Mueller Presented on

Life Together (Koinōnía)

(Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Maggie Karner)

Law and Gospel

(Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Maggie Karner)

Through a generous subsidy from Concordia Publishing House, everyone who attended the LCMS Board and Commission Orientation received a free copy of the new edition of C.F.W. Walther's Law and Gospel. Check it out here at CPH.

Revs. Jon Vieker and Bernie Seter in conversation after

Presentation of Witness, Mercy, Life Together

(Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Maggie Karner)

There is more on tap for Day 2. I hope you have enjoyed this brief look at the LCMS Board and Commission Orientation.

A Visit From India -- Greetings from the IELC

President Harrison, President J. Samuel, Mr. Ravi, Rev. Dr. Collver, Mr. Darin Storkson

Today, Rev. Dr. J. Samuel, President of the India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC), and Mr. Ravi came to the International Center to bring greetings to President Harrison. President Harrison and I had the privilege of visiting President Samuel in India a little more than a year ago. President Samuel is faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and has been working hard to promote Lutheran identity in India. He brought gifts.

President Samuel presents President Harrison with a chasuble for installation

President Samuel presents an alb.

The India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC) was the first mission field for the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod. Last January (2010), President Samuel came to Saint Louis for an India summit held at Saint Paul, Des Peres. There he retold the story that he told President Harrison and me in India, how Pastor Naether died of the plague bringing the Gospel to the people of India. With tear in his eye, he said, "Had Pastor Naether not given his life to bring to the Gospel to my people, I would not be a Christian now." President Samuel is greatly pleased to be here in Saint Louis for the installation service on 11 September.

President Samuel with Mr. Ravi, Deaoncess Grace Rao, and Mr. Darin Storkson

--

History of the IELC From the IELC Website

Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LC MS) was supporting the Leipzig Lutheran Mission (LLM) during 19the century. K. G. T. Naether and T. F. Mohn who were working in the South East part of Tamil Nadu broke away from LLM due to doctrinal difference with the Leipzig Church in Germany. These two missionaries then applied to LC MS to support their work in India directly. LC MS agreed to their request and the two missionaries moved to Krishnagiri and Ambur of Northern Tamil Nadu to start a new Mission enterprise in 1895.  The work was carried out under the banner of Missouri Evangelical Lutheran India Mission (MELIM). This marked the beginning of establishment of a number of churches in that part of India. However, the work of Naether lasted only for about four years. He sowed the seed of the Gospel and died of Plague along with his two daughters. His wife then returned home. Mohn continued his work for a few more years. Then, several batches of LC MS Missionaries arrived one after the other phase by phase. At one stage, the Ambur – Krishnagiri area grew up with an increased number of churches, schools and a health care clinic. There was a Macedonian call from the South Trivancore of present Kanyakumari District to establish MELIM station. LC MS sent a few missionaries to work in South Trivancore area that included the present Kerala. Churches and schools and a seminary were established during the next two decades. The first general assembly called ‘Prathanithikal Sangam’ of native Pastors and Lay representatives from congregations was held in Trivandrum. The Missionaries too participated in this assembly. This was the forerunner of all the three Synod conventions and IELC Convention of today.

The congregations in and around Ambur and Krishnagiri were organized  into Ambur Synod in 1949. The Tamil congregations around Nagercoil were organized into Nagercoil Synod and Malayalam congregations in Kerala into Trivandrum Synod in 1956. All these three Synods were formed together as India Evangelical Lutheran Church during its General Assembly held on 8 and 9 of January 1958. IELC celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2008 remembering her forefathers and Missionaries with thanksgiving to God. The theme of the Golden Jubilee was, “Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s Word to you. Think about how their lives turned out, and imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7).

Rev. Naether and his two children rest here, in Krishnagiri

Naether Memorial Church, Krishnagiri

President's Friday Forum

Rev. Jon Vieker with President Harrison

One of the goals of President Harrison is to have regular theological forums at the International Center. You Pastors remember the feeling of leaving the seminary, enmeshed in study, and eager to get out into the "real world." Well, once you are in the "real world," it is all too easy to become so busy that even reading the Bible, let alone the Book of Concord, Walther's Law and Gospel, Luther, et al., can become quite the challenge. When you are a step further removed from preaching and administrating the Sacrament every Sunday, it can even be more challenging to take time to study. To help keep us sharp, President Harrison plans to have regular theological forums at the International Center. This afternoon was our first ad-hoc forum. In the future, we hope to be able to ask you to study and read along with us. Stay tuned.

Rev. Dr. Jim Voelz and President Harrison

When I went to graduate school Dr. Voelz was the Dean of the Graduate School. Jim had great forums where theology was discussed among the students. He came out to the International Center to provide provocative discussion today.

Rev. Robert Baker, editor at Concordia Publishing House, brought his latest project, "Marriage by God's Design," which featured President Harrison. We also had some opportunity to speak about the challenges to the Biblical (and traditional) view of marriage.

Rev. Paul McCain, Publisher of Concordia Publishing House, finds a book in President Harrison's library that he thinks CPH published in the 16th century (just kidding, Paul wishes CPH had published it).

Here Rev. Paul McCain is remembering fondly the office he occupied during President Barry's tenure.

Hope you have enjoyed the brief photo tour.

Moving In, First Day, and Commemoration of Joshua

Crucifix in President Harrison's Office at International Center

Lord Jesus, my salvation,

My light, my life divine,

My only consolation, 

O make me wholly Thine!

For Thou hast dearly bought me

With blood and bitter pain.

Let me, since Thou hast sought me,

Eternal life obtain.

-- Let Me Be Thine Forever (LSB 689:2)

Hymn appointed for Commemoration of Joshua in 

Treasury of Daily Prayer

 Today marked the Commemoration of Joshua in the Lutheran Service Book lectionary and the matriculation of President Matthew Harrison, 1st Vice President Herbert Mueller, Rev. Jon Vieker, Mrs. Barbara Below, and Rev. Dr. Albert Collver into their new offices at the International Center.  For those interested, I have provided some photos of us moving into our offices.

Chapel Schedule at the International Center

August 30 - September 3, 2010

This photo shows the chapel schedule at the International Center in Saint Louis for the week of August 30th. The sign captures a moment of transition within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Despite the sign, President Harrison did not preach on 1 September 2010. When the sign was made it wasn't realized that President Harrison and 1st Vice President Herb Mueller had a meeting with members of the Council of Presidents. As a result, I actually had the privilege and opportunity to preach in chapel for the Commemoration of Joshua and on the first day of President Harrison's term. Pastor Vieker played the organ. The order of service was Matins; the text Joshua 24:14 - 28. The hymn was LSB 689, "Let Me Be Thine Forever." The sermon focused on Ebed Yahweh, "the servant of the Lord," Jesus who came to serve us. Because He has served us through his death and resurrection, we receive his forgiving gifts which spill out onto our neighbor. Jesus is our Joshua who led us through the waters of baptism into eternal life.

President Harrison hauling books into his office in the afternoon

President Harrison with a few more books

Note all the books with covers of velum. President Harrison has quite a collection of books from the 16th and 17th century. I have three or four volumes from the 16th and 17th century -- two of them are by Philip Jakob Spener (at least they were owned by Piepkorn). A few hours later, the back wall had book shelves full of Luther's works. President Harrison is one of the few men I know who owns a Weimar Edition of Luther's Works (Weimarer Ausgabe -- WA, if not familiar read about it in Wikipedia). On the "Luther" wall, President Harrison also has the American Edition of Luther's Works published by CPH and Augsburg-Fortress, The "Saint Louis Edition" -- Walch 2, and the Walch edition. In 1st Vice President Herb Mueller's office you find the Saint Louis Edition and the American Edition of Luther's Works... (Rev. Vieker also has the same set as 1st VP Herb Mueller)... I have these at home... President Harrison reads Luther's original languages (German and Latin) the best among us. 

1st Vice President Herb Mueller

You can't see Pastor Mueller's bookcase here, but it is also full of Luther.

Mrs. Barbara Below in her office

Rev. Jon Vieker in his office

President Harrison (in the back), Mrs. Barb Below, Pastor Jon Vieker

(Note this photo taken on my iPhone -- I think it looks the best)

abc3+ at his desk

Hope you have enjoyed the tour of the offices and seeing us starting to move in.