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Post WWI & German Lutheran Churches

By Vicar Lisa

I recently finished one of my textbooks entitled Introduction to the History of Christianity in the United States by Nancy Koester. I admit that usually I groan when it comes to history and dates, etc., but I found this book fascinating! I read it through like I would read a mystery novel, I could hardly put it down. 

And of course, any part of history that would tie into our Zion’s community was even more interesting. I knew that our church was originally established by Germans and was known as Zion’s German Lutheran church. However, I had not considered how our German Lutheran brethren were treated following the end of WWI. Learning of the treatment of the German-based churches and pastors was appalling.

According to the book, “Historian Fred Meuser notes that after 1917, hundreds of German Lutheran parochial schools were closed. Worship services were interrupted and meetings of clergy were broken up. “Pastors were sometimes daubed with yellow paint, made to kiss the flag, to pledge allegiance, and to subscribe to war bonds.… German-speaking Lutherans were threatened with dire consequences if they used the forbidden tongue.”

It is hard to hear about so much hatred directed at American citizens and fellow Christians. I can’t help but wonder how it specifically impacted Zion’s. I know from Julie and JoAnn, beginning in 1918, the church council at Zion’s began to take notes in English instead of German. Was this something that evolved naturally as more predominantly English speakers joined the church? Or was it the result of the pressure to blend in and assimilate into the post-war society? It is so interesting to ponder!

As I sit here writing this on Memorial Day, I must thank God we have the freedom at this time in this country to worship freely, publicly, and without fear of reprisal. Let us never take this freedom for granted.

First Sunday after Pentecost/Holy Trinity Sunday, June 4

10 a.m. Worship, No Communion

Announcements:

  • Schedule for Serving: Reminder, the schedule for ushers, lectors, and communion preparation/clean-up was emailed at the end of April. Please note when you are scheduled. If you will be unable to serve as scheduled, be sure to arrange for someone to do it in your place either by trading with someone or simply arranging someone to do it for you. Everyone's contact information is included with the schedule. Please let Jo Moss and Vicar Lisa know if you trade so they have the correct information for the bulletin and E-Formation. 
  • Campout/Picnic Update: Zion’s Second annual camping trip is scheduled for June 8-10 at Lake Trinidad group campground (Note that the entrance to the group campground is off of the dam road. Camper arrival on 6/8 (Thursday); departure on 6/10 (Saturday) (2 nights). The picnic/potluck will be Friday, 6/9 at noon. Bring a camp chair and join the fun. you have questions or need directions, please let Jeff Smith know.
  • Summer Hiatus: Sunday morning Bible Study, Friday Women's Bible Study, and Centering Prayer all are on summer hiatus. Watch for schedule updates in e-formation, the newsletter, and worship bulletins.
  • Outdoor Services: We will begin Summer Outdoor Worship on June 11. Many people in our congregation have requested this and value these outdoor services. However, it takes some effort to set up and break down. We need people to volunteer who are willing to get there a little early on Sundays and set up. We have lists of what is needed to guide you. Please let Vicar Lisa or Sharon Sorensen if you are willing to help, thanks!
  • Santa Fe Trail Days: Zion's will have a booth at the festival, June 10. Paula Little and Mike McNeil are organizing. Please let one of them know if you would like to help.
  • Garage Sale: Zion's annual garage sale will be held Saturday, Aug. 5. See Julie if you would like to help.
  • Vacation Bible School: The community Vacation Bible School will be held at Fisher Peak Community Church. VBS is for grades K-6 and will take place on the mornings of June 12-16. The registration form is attached to this e-formation. For more information, contact Carol Smith or you may contact Nancy Wilkinson at Fisher Peak if you would like to assist: (719) 680-0451.
  • Save the Date: Zion's 135th Anniversary celebration is Sept. 23-24. If you would like to be part of this committee, please see Vicar Lisa.
  • Flower Update: We share heartfelt thanks for our flower guild and the beautiful additions they make to our worship. You can support their work by dedicating the flowers on a Sunday. The recommended minimum donation is $35, so sign the flower book today.

E-formation

First Sunday after Pentecost, June 4

Pentecost is a day, not a season. Trinity Sunday, the first Sunday following Pentecost, has been kept since the tenth century as a special celebration of the mystery of the triune God, as similarly the Baptism of Our Lord follows the Christmas season with its trinitarian focus. Come to worship and receive the blessings that the Trinity gives.

Matthew 28:16-20

Called the Great Commission, the church proclaims this text on Trinity Sunday, affirming that even after the observance of the Ascension, the Triune God is always present in the church. The conclusion of the Gospel of Matthew includes the trinitarian words that most Christians use at baptism: “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Genesis 1:1—2:4a

According to Christian doctrine, God is and has always been triune. The church has seen in the ancient Genesis cosmogony the everlasting Trinity at work in creation: God speaks the Word and breathes the divine Spirit over creation.

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Many Christians over the centuries have used this passage from 2 Corinthians as an opening invocation or a closing benediction. Especially beloved is Paul’s description of the attributes of the triune God as grace, love, and communion.

Zion's Lutheran Church

zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785