Worship at the Dreieinigkeitsgemeinde

This morning I attended my first worship service at my new vicarage congregation, and I completed my first official duty as vicar. This entire German experience seems more real now that I have been to Gottesdienst (church service) and met many more members of the congregation. I was a little confused and nervous, but I was also warmly welcomed and edified.

Worship in a SELK church is at once exotic and familiar. On the one hand, there were a number of traditions that were new or words that I did not know in German. I felt slightly self-conscious to be sitting up front in an unfamiliar church, but I was able to follow along fairly well. Thankfully, Pastor Rehr provided me with a printed copy of his sermon, so I was able to read along with it and understand a little bit more. On the other hand, the hymns were almost all immediately recognizable, being the great German hymns that have nurtured the Lutherans in America for generations. We sang some old favorites, such as “Now Thank We All Our God” and “Jesus, Priceless Treasure.” Also, much of the liturgy is identical to the service that we know so well as page 15 out of The Lutheran Hymnal. Even a few of the tunes, such as the Agnus Dei, are the same. It really gave me the sense that worship is not limited to just one place and time and tongue. Rather, in the divine service, we are joined together with all Christians of all languages, both past and present, as well as with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven.

My one duty was to read the Epistle lesson. I had practiced many times, and I think that I did alright. A few different people told me that my reading was “schoen,” which seems to be the German response to just about anything positive. I was honored to be able to speak the Word of God in my new church-home, and I hope that I will soon be able to do even more.

This service was a special occasion for several reasons. Beyond it being my first service, it was also the first Sunday with the newly-renovated organ. The organ music was beautiful and powerful, and it was complemented by very strong singing and the majestic brass choir that accompanied. The Dreieinigkeitsgemeinde has been blessed with incredible music. Also, this service was special because 50 worshippers were visitors from another congregation, Christusgemeinde in the town of Uelzen. They had come to tour Dresden and to join in our worship service. Afterwards, we had a large meal for everyone. I especially enjoyed the hearty soup/stew that they made for the meal.

We met a whole lot of new people, and I am struggling to keep all of their names straight. They were very kind and welcoming and excited to talk to me. I had a few good, long conversations, and we were invited over to a couple different houses for meals this week. I am very pleased to start making some German friends. We have been overwhelmed by the warmth and kindness of the welcome that we have received. I am so glad to be here, and I pray that I may be a blessing in return to these fine people.