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Special “Bonhoeffer” Lecture Thursday December 19, 2024

Beatrice Institute Winter Salon:
"Thou Shalt Not Kill? Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Conflicted Pacifism"
Thursday December 19th at 6:30p.m.
 at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary 616 North Highland Avenue Pittsburgh, PA, 15206 United States (map)

German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was greatly attracted to pacifism but eventually felt called to participate in a plot on Hitler’s life. Inspired by the release of the new movie on Bonhoeffer's life, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin., Beatrice Institute—in collaboration with the Bruderhof community—invites you to join the conversation this semester as we interrogate the tension in Christian ethics between a preference for non-violence and the responsibility to protect the innocent. (Seeing the movie is not necessary to attending the Salon.)

Read the complete story at the link below …

Beatrice Institute Winter Salon:
"Thou Shalt Not Kill? Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Conflicted Pacifism"
Thursday December 19th at 6:30p.m.
 at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary 616 North Highland Avenue Pittsburgh, PA, 15206 United States (map)

German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was greatly attracted to pacifism but eventually felt called to participate in a plot on Hitler’s life. Inspired by the release of the new movie on Bonhoeffer's life, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin., Beatrice Institute—in collaboration with the Bruderhof community—invites you to join the conversation this semester as we interrogate the tension in Christian ethics between a preference for non-violence and the responsibility to protect the innocent. (Seeing the movie is not necessary to attending the Salon)

Our annual Winter Salon invites four panelists with a range of viewpoints to speak about Bonhoeffer's historical context and the theological commitments that swayed both pacifist and activist responses to Hitler's regime:

  • Pastor Eric Andrae is the Campus Pastor and Outreach Minister at First Trinity Lutheran Church in Oakland. He earned a B.A. degree in 1993 from Valparaiso University and a Master of Divinity Degree in 1997 from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. He has traveled extensively and earned a Master of Sacred Theology in pastoral care from Concordia Seminary in 2003. Eric is also a published Bonhoeffer scholar.

  • Amber Hindley worked for several years as a Bruderhof archivist and now lives in the Woodcrest Bruderhof community. She brings a perspective on the Bruderhof church experience in Nazi Germany (until the expulsion in 1937), insight on some of the similarities and differences between different church responses to the rise of the Third Reich, and thoughts on the theme of non-violent pacifist resistance.

  • Patrick Jones is a PhD in Theology from Catholic University of America and currently teaches at St. Vincent College in Latrobe. His studies focus on the intersection of political philosophy and moral theology, with a special focus on 19th and 20th century Catholic political thought. His dissertation was entitled, “The Nation-State and Global Governance: A Question in Modern Catholic Social Doctrine.”

  • Ben Burkholder is a PhD in Systematic Theology from Duquesne University, an Associate Pastor, and an adjunct professor at La Roche University. Ben has a particular interest in questions regarding how certain accounts of the atonement might encourage people—in the face of oppression—toward either violence or passivity. He has a passion for the integration of Christian worldview, theology, and higher education and has always been interested in how Bonhoeffer’s ethics and theology inform a Christ-centered approach to nature.

Drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres provided!


The Bruderhof
Founded over a century ago in the wake of World War I in the small German village of Sannerz, the Bruderhof has been shaped and propelled in part by the political and social events of the Western world. Despite inter-continental migrations due to religious persecution during World War II, and many challenges and changes, God’s protection, guidance, and blessing have been evident over the decades since the hardscrabble beginnings in 1920.

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Altar Flower & Eternal Light Sponsorships for 2025

2025 Altar Flower & Eternal Light Sponsorships are now available
Sign up sheets are on the table in the back of the sanctuary.
Members may sponsor in memory -- or honor of -- loved ones; or in celebration of special occasions.

2025 Altar Flower & Eternal Light Sponsorships are now available
Sign up sheets are on the table in the back of the sanctuary.
Members may sponsor in memory -- or honor of -- loved ones; or in celebration of special occasions.

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AUDIO: Readings & Sermon for Wednesday December 18, 2024

This audio-only file includes all the readings from scripture, along with the sermon — and when available, the announcements, adult choir, men’s choir, and/or bell choir. Also posted along with the audio file is the text for all the scripture readings, and a link to the current bulletin, and our YouTube channel if you prefer to watch the LIVE Stream.

AUDIO: Wednesday December 18, 2024

View the Bulletin for Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Advent Worship Service: 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
During Advent, there will be no Wednesday Bible Study, it will resume Wednesday January 8, 2025

All are welcome, bring a friend, neighbor or relative

Visit our YouTube channel — Click the red “subscribe” box, and then click on the “bell” next to that box to receive Live Streaming notifications. You must be logged into YouTube to activate these features.

Archive of AUDIO “Readings & Sermons”
Archive of VIDEO “Complete Service”
Archive of BULLETINS

First Reading – Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7 
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time He brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time He has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 

The people who walked in darkness 
have seen a great light; 
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, 
on them has light shined. 
For to us a child is born, 
to us a son is given; 
and the government shall be upon His shoulder, 
and His name shall be called 
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
Of the increase of His government and of peace 
there will be no end, 
on the throne of David and over His kingdom, 
to establish it and to uphold it 
with justice and with righteousness 
from this time forth and forevermore. 
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. 

Second Reading – Colossians 1:15–20 
[Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross. 

Third Reading – John 14:1–11 
[Jesus said:] “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” 

Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know Me, Philip? Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own authority, but the Father who dwells in Me does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 

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VIDEO: Welcome to Life Together!

Welcome to Life Together!
In this Life Together Digest, the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), shares an Advent message based on the hymn “Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding” (Lutheran Service Book 345) and the words of Colossians 2:8–12. “The Lord is in His heavens,” he says. “We made it through the election season, and we’re still here and blessed by Christ. God help us. Amen.” Please share this encouragement with others this holiday season.

In this Life Together Digest, the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), shares an Advent message based on the hymn “Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding” (Lutheran Service Book 345) and the words of Colossians 2:8–12. “The Lord is in His heavens,” he says. “We made it through the election season, and we’re still here and blessed by Christ. God help us. Amen.” Please share this encouragement with others this holiday season.

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Advent Bulletin: Wednesday December 18, 2024

View the Wednesday Bulletin for December 18, 2024
Click to download the Wednesday Bulletin which includes all of the scripture readings and the Order of Service. Posted later in the day you will find an audio-only recording of the announcements (if there are any), readings and sermon. Also posted later in the day you will be able to view the entire service on our YouTube channel – broadcast live at 2:00 p.m. For an archive of bulletins visit: BULLETINS. For an archive of Sermons, visit SERMONS. For an archive of videos, visit VIDEOS.

View the Bulletin for Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Advent Worship Service: 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
During Advent, there will be no Wednesday Bible Study, it will resume Wednesday January 8, 2025

All are welcome, bring a friend, neighbor or relative

Visit our YouTube channel — Click the red “subscribe” box, and then click on the “bell” next to that box to receive Live Streaming notifications. You must be logged into YouTube to activate these features.

Archive of AUDIO “Readings & Sermons”
Archive of VIDEO “Complete Service”
Archive of BULLETINS

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Complete Advent/December Service Schedule

Sunday’s in Advent (December 1, 8, 15 & 22)
Service Times at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Adult/Teen Bible Study and Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

Wednesday’s in Advent (December 4, 11 & 18)
Service Times at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
No Bible Study on Wednesdays until Jan. 8, 2024

Christmas Eve (December 24)
Service Times at 2:00 p.m. and Special Candlelight Service at 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Day (December 25)
One Service Only at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday December 29
Service Times at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Adult/Teen Bible Study and Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

New Year’s Eve (December 31)
Service Times at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025)
No Services

Wednesday Service with Bible Study returns on january 8th at 2:00 p.m.

Sunday’s in Advent (December 1, 8, 15 & 22)
Service Times at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Adult/Teen Bible Study and Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

Wednesday’s in Advent (December 4, 11 & 18)
Service Times at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
No Bible Study on Wednesdays until Jan. 8, 2024

Christmas Eve (December 24)
Service Times at 2:00 p.m. and Special Candlelight Service at 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Day (December 25)
One Service Only at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday December 29
Service Times at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Adult/Teen Bible Study and Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.

New Year’s Eve (December 31)
Service Times at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025)
No Services

Wednesday Service with Bible Study returns on january 8th at 2:00 p.m.

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Women’s Book Club: Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Women’s Book Club
The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold
Wednesday January 15, 2025 — 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

The Divine Proverb of Streusel
Shaken by her parents' divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle's farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She'll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is a past she barely knows.

Click the link below for complete details …

Women’s Book Club
The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold
Wednesday January 15, 2025 — 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

The Divine Proverb of Streusel
Shaken by her parents' divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle's farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She'll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is a past she barely knows.

Among her late grandmother's belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town's history, her ancestors--and her estranged father.

What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured--with the help of their cooking prowess. Nikki realizes how delicious streusel with a healthy dollop of faith can serve as a guide to heal wounds of the past.

Link to Amazon Book Store

PLEASE NOTE: January 8th “Streusel Baking NIght” has been canceled

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