Monday, September 3, 2007
Goooool!
Special report: on Sunday evening, we gathered together a group of 12 from the church to play a little soccer. As previously noted, my soccer skills are pathetic, but this day was special. I finally ended a life-long drought of goals! About half-way through our game, I knocked one in from about 12 feet. Everyone was shocked. But that wasn't the end of it. Several minutes later I did it again. I bumped one in on a lucky break from just a meter away. Two goals in one day--and they were the only two goals that I have EVER scored. I may have just changed my fussball reputation: they used to think I was terrible, and now they think that I am one lucky dog. So, there it is--my one and only moment of soccer glory!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Welcome to Germany!
It is three days into my vicarage, and I am still standing. My first impressions of Dresden and of the people of this congregation have been great. I have much to look forward to. Probably the biggest surprise has been how difficult the language is. I thought I knew a lot of German, but I still have a long way to go before I am fluent. Thankfully, we start language school on Monday. Also, I have realized that I am going to get into great shape this year. Already, I have been running around far more than I am used to. The best part of these first days has been the terrific welcome that we have received.
After a (thankfully) uneventful flight across the Atlantic, we were greeted at the Dresden airport in dramatic fashion. As we stepped out of the building, we were met with the sweet strains of “Ein’ Feste Berg is Unser Gott” (“A Mighty Fortress is Our God”) wafting across the air. Before us stood Pastor Rehr, one of his daughters, and another member of the congregation (brass instruments in hand), ready to give us a hearty German welcome. Martin Luther would have been proud.
Since our arrival, there has been a whirlwind of activity. We have been busy from the time we wake up until the time when we finally reach our pillows again. Some of it has been quite good: for instance, we moved into our apartment a week ahead of schedule, we got to play fussball (soccer) with our new German friends, and we have managed to collect almost everything we need to get settled here. Some of it has been quite frustrating: we have had more than enough of German bureaucracy in our attempts to secure visas. We have gotten to see lots of the city of Dresden. The Rehrs have shown us around some, we have explored a bit on our own, and we have poked into every other corner of town in our errands. I think that I will enjoy living here. Dresden is a very complicated city, and I don’t think that I can sum it up without many more words and many more experiences.
One of the best parts of my time in Dresden has been the kindness and hospitality of the Rehr family. They have welcomed us in as one of their own, even though it must be maddening to listen to our mangled German. Thankfully, Pastor Rehr speaks far more English than he lets on. Before I arrived, he had me convinced that he spoke virtually no English, but now I realize that he knows more of my language than I do of his. The Rehr family has fed us, taught us German, showed us around, played with us, and helped us through the maze of understanding a new place. Without them, we would be utterly lost.
I have received my first duty as vicar, albeit a small one. This Sunday I will read the lessons in church. I am excited to be a part of leading worship from the first week, and I hope that I don’t mispronounce anything significant. Thankfully, the epistle is taken from 1st John, which may have the simplest language in the entire Bible. Actually, I am beginning to appreciate the beauty of John’s writing through my experiences in German. John uses very simple words to convey rich and profound meanings. And I have only simple words in my German vocabulary, and I am learning very slowly how to squeeze every last bit of usefulness out of them.
Here’s just a couple more stories before sleep overtakes me. Last night we visited a couple, who are members of the congregation. Their cousin and his wife were visiting them from America. It was a very interesting, polyglot conversation around the table, as everything was said in various mixtures of English and German. Even though communication was sometimes bizarre, we all got along splendidly, and we appreciated their warmth and hospitality. Tonight, we played fussball with the Rehrs, another member of the congregation, and a few children that we met at the field. I only embarrassed myself a little with my lack of soccer skills. As I told them, I play soccer like I speak German. Krista was more impressive, scoring a goal and playing fairly competently.
More will be coming soon. At first, this blog will be mostly anecdotal, as I am getting settled and then attending language school. As I begin to take on more duties, I will focus on what work I have been doing in the church here. Thanks for reading!
After a (thankfully) uneventful flight across the Atlantic, we were greeted at the Dresden airport in dramatic fashion. As we stepped out of the building, we were met with the sweet strains of “Ein’ Feste Berg is Unser Gott” (“A Mighty Fortress is Our God”) wafting across the air. Before us stood Pastor Rehr, one of his daughters, and another member of the congregation (brass instruments in hand), ready to give us a hearty German welcome. Martin Luther would have been proud.
Since our arrival, there has been a whirlwind of activity. We have been busy from the time we wake up until the time when we finally reach our pillows again. Some of it has been quite good: for instance, we moved into our apartment a week ahead of schedule, we got to play fussball (soccer) with our new German friends, and we have managed to collect almost everything we need to get settled here. Some of it has been quite frustrating: we have had more than enough of German bureaucracy in our attempts to secure visas. We have gotten to see lots of the city of Dresden. The Rehrs have shown us around some, we have explored a bit on our own, and we have poked into every other corner of town in our errands. I think that I will enjoy living here. Dresden is a very complicated city, and I don’t think that I can sum it up without many more words and many more experiences.
One of the best parts of my time in Dresden has been the kindness and hospitality of the Rehr family. They have welcomed us in as one of their own, even though it must be maddening to listen to our mangled German. Thankfully, Pastor Rehr speaks far more English than he lets on. Before I arrived, he had me convinced that he spoke virtually no English, but now I realize that he knows more of my language than I do of his. The Rehr family has fed us, taught us German, showed us around, played with us, and helped us through the maze of understanding a new place. Without them, we would be utterly lost.
I have received my first duty as vicar, albeit a small one. This Sunday I will read the lessons in church. I am excited to be a part of leading worship from the first week, and I hope that I don’t mispronounce anything significant. Thankfully, the epistle is taken from 1st John, which may have the simplest language in the entire Bible. Actually, I am beginning to appreciate the beauty of John’s writing through my experiences in German. John uses very simple words to convey rich and profound meanings. And I have only simple words in my German vocabulary, and I am learning very slowly how to squeeze every last bit of usefulness out of them.
Here’s just a couple more stories before sleep overtakes me. Last night we visited a couple, who are members of the congregation. Their cousin and his wife were visiting them from America. It was a very interesting, polyglot conversation around the table, as everything was said in various mixtures of English and German. Even though communication was sometimes bizarre, we all got along splendidly, and we appreciated their warmth and hospitality. Tonight, we played fussball with the Rehrs, another member of the congregation, and a few children that we met at the field. I only embarrassed myself a little with my lack of soccer skills. As I told them, I play soccer like I speak German. Krista was more impressive, scoring a goal and playing fairly competently.
More will be coming soon. At first, this blog will be mostly anecdotal, as I am getting settled and then attending language school. As I begin to take on more duties, I will focus on what work I have been doing in the church here. Thanks for reading!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Welcome
Welcome! My name is Paul Elliott, and I am a vicar of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Starting at the end of August, I will be serving in the Dreieinigskeitgemeinde (Holy Trinity Congregation) in Dresden, Germany, for one year. I plan to maintain this blog as a way for friends, family, and fellow Lutherans to keep up with my activities overseas.
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