From: The Lutheran Reporter

‘The list changes daily’: Help for Ukraine

KEVIN ARMBRUSTMARCH 1, 2022 418.6K VIEWS

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Our Lord told His disciples, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains” (Matt. 24:6–8).

Jesus warned them that they would face many trials, “but the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 24:13). As the church waits for the return of Christ, we know that wars and other trials will occur, and we pray for those who are suffering.

First, we pray that their faith in Christ would endure. We also pray that God would provide for them as their gracious heavenly Father. And we pray that all find hope and strength in the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

As the situation in Ukraine continues, the church prays and provides for those affected.

In a recent email, the Rev. James A. Krikava, associate executive director of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Office of International Mission (OIM), Eurasia and Asia Operations, explained that the OIM is already working with several church bodies in Europe to help those affected by this crisis.

This work includes aid for our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine (ELCU) and other refugees.

The OIM is currently working with five partner churches to help refugees from this conflict. These church bodies are located in Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Germany and the Czech Republic.

The Rev. Serge Maschewski, bishop of the ELCU, requests funds for medicine; fuel for the evacuation of children, women and the elderly; food; and personal safety gear for pastors who work in dangerous areas.

Maschewski said that the needs are always changing: “I don’t know the exact amount of money. Today we need food. Tomorrow we need medicine. The list changes daily.”

In a recent email to Krikava and LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, Maschewski said, “I want to give special thanks to the faithful of the LCMS, and personally to President Harrison and Pastor Krikava. God bless you! We, by the power of God, will overcome all things, and the Lord will grant us victory!”

The Lord Jesus, who talked about coming wars and calamities, died and rose from the dead to forgive sins and give eternal life to all who believe. Before He ascended, He promised His church, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). The church prays for peace in our world and for faith as we await His coming.

To support the people of Ukraine, please pray for them.

If you desire to contribute to their needs, there are several ways to donate:

• Text LCMSUKRAINE to 41-444.
• Give online via LCMS Mission Advancement.
• Call the LCMS at 888-930-4438.
• Give online via Mission Central.
• Call Mission Central (Mapleton, Iowa) at 712-882-1029.
• By mail, make your check out to “The LCMS,” and write “Ukraine Relief” in the memo line. Mail to: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861.

This discussion by Rev. Robert Eickmann may shed some light on what it IS about. If it raises questions, or doesn’t address the ones you already have, he’ll be happy to explore further with you. Regardless of that, you are welcome to join us at Prince of Peace at 7pm on Ash Wednesday…..

Ash Wednesday Ashes

As part of our worship on Ash Wednesday, we have the opportunity to receive “the imposition of ashes” upon our foreheads. This practice always raises some questions about both the purpose and the practice which I will attempt to answer.

The root of this practice is full of vivid symbolism. First, we are reminded that our creation is from the dust of the earth. In the beginning God formed our first parent Adam from the dust of the ground. God then breathed the breath of life into Adam and he became a living soul. Second, because of sin, we will return to the dust of the ground. As God told Adam, after he had sinned, “you are dust and to dust you shall return.” We are reminded of this in the words, “Earth to earth, Ashes to ashes, Dust to dust” as we commit the body of those who have died to the earth.

Several times in the Old Testament mourning and lamenting and especially repentance are described in terms of “sack cloth and ashes.” Jesus also spoke of an outward expression of repentance in terms “sack cloth and ashes.” (Matt. 11:21)

“The imposition of ashes” upon our foreheads on Ash Wednesday fell out of practice among Lutherans, for a time because of the thinking that it was “too Roman Catholic.” It is sad that we have denied ourselves such rich symbolism due to fear and misunderstanding. To clear up some of that misunderstanding please allow me to address some of the common questions that people have asked.

Do I have to receive the ashes?

Having the imposition of ashes is a part of our Christian freedom. They are offered simply as an opportunity for you. If they will assist you in your Lenten worship, please, receive them. If they will not, please, feel comfortable in not having the ashes imposed.

Are the ashes blessed? Do they give a blessing?

No, on both counts. The ashes are from palm branches used in worship on Palm Sunday. They are simply a physical symbol for us to use. Unlike the water in Holy Baptism and the bread and wine in Holy Communion there is no command, no promise, no Sacrament connected with the imposition of the ashes.

How long do I need to leave the ashes on?

You may wash the ashes off at any time. Again, this is also a matter of Christian freedom. When you wash the ashes off, remind yourself of your Baptism. Remember how in water of Baptism sin and death were washed away, not just ash washed from our forehead.

What about Jesus’ words “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. …But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others Matthew 6:16-18                                                                         

As with all outward signs of faith, it is an issue of motivation. Do we do the outward act so that we “may be seen by others” or from our spiritual need? Do we go to church, bow our heads to pray, wear a cross, or wear ashes on our forehead because of our relationship with Jesus? Or do we do these things so that people will notice? If you want the ashes so that you will be seen by others, you should not receive them.

What if I feel uncomfortable about receiving the ashes?

Then don’t receive the ashes. No one ought to feel uncomfortable. More importantly, no one will be judged whether they receive the ashes or not. We want to provide this opportunity for those who desire the imposing of ashes as part of their Lenten worship. The is purely an act of personal devotion.

What if I still have questions?

If you still have questions, about this or any other topic, please talk to Pastor Eickmann. In our life together as a congregation, we care for all our members and want all to feel comfortable and informed about what we do.

Our special services for Lent will be Wednesdays at 7pm. As usual, you are welcome to join us in the sanctuary (with masks and social distancing), in your car in the parking lot listening on the radio, or at home, watching the live stream on facebook (either live or recorded, viewed at your convenience). In respect for everyones safety, we are forgoing our usual meal before services.

As Lutherans, we often ask “What does this mean?” One of the most often asked about traditions is the ashes of Ash Wednesday. Pastor Eickmann addresses this for us.

Ash Wednesday Ashes

As part of our worship on Ash Wednesday, we have the opportunity to receive “the imposition of ashes” upon our foreheads. This practice always raises some questions about both the purpose and the practice which I will attempt to answer.

The root of this practice is full of vivid symbolism. First, we are reminded that our creation is from the dust of the earth. In the beginning God formed our first parent Adam from the dust of the ground. God then breathed the breath of life into Adam and he became a living soul. Second, because of sin, we will return to the dust of the ground. As God told Adam, after he had sinned, “you are dust and to dust you shall return.” We are reminded of this in the words, “Earth to earth, Ashes to ashes, Dust to dust” as we commit the body of those who have died to the earth.

Several times in the Old Testament mourning and lamenting and especially repentance are described in terms of “sack cloth and ashes.” Jesus also spoke of an outward expression of repentance in terms “sack cloth and ashes.” (Matt. 11:21)

“The imposition of ashes” upon our foreheads on Ash Wednesday fell out of practice among Lutherans, for a time because of the thinking that it was “too Roman Catholic.” It is sad that we have denied ourselves such rich symbolism due to fear and misunderstanding. To clear up some of that misunderstanding please allow me to address some of the common questions that people have asked.

Do I have to receive the ashes?

Having the imposition of ashes is a part of our Christian freedom. They are offered simply as an opportunity for you. If they will assist you in your Lenten worship, please, receive them. If they will not, please, feel comfortable in not having the ashes imposed.

Are the ashes blessed? Do they give a blessing?

No, on both counts. The ashes are from palm branches used in worship on Palm Sunday. They are simply a physical symbol for us to use. Unlike the water in Holy Baptism and the bread and wine in Holy Communion there is no command, no promise, no Sacrament connected with the imposition of the ashes.

How long do I need to leave the ashes on?

You may wash the ashes off at any time. Again, this is also a matter of Christian freedom. When you wash the ashes off, remind yourself of your Baptism. Remember how in water of Baptism sin and death were washed away, not just ash washed from our forehead.

What about Jesus’ words “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. …But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others Matthew 6:16-18                                                                         

As with all outward signs of faith, it is an issue of motivation. Do we do the outward act so that we “may be seen by others” or from our spiritual need? Do we go to church, bow our heads to pray, wear a cross, or wear ashes on our forehead because of our relationship with Jesus? Or do we do these things so that people will notice? If you want the ashes so that you will be seen by others, you should not receive them.

What if I feel uncomfortable about receiving the ashes?

Then don’t receive the ashes. No one ought to feel uncomfortable. More importantly, no one will be judged whether they receive the ashes or not. We want to provide this opportunity for those who desire the imposing of ashes as part of their Lenten worship. The is purely an act of personal devotion.

What if I still have questions?

If you still have questions, about this or any other topic, please talk to Pastor Eickmann. In our life together as a congregation, we care for all our members and want all to feel comfortable and informed about what we do.

We continue to be mindful of mitigating the possible spread of COVID as we slowly resume group activities. We have live services in the sanctuary, with masks required and social distancing, and also broadcast into the parking lot for those who choose to remain in their own vehicles. We are also now live-streaming our services (Sunday, and for now a Wednesday message) on Facebook. We will forego our usual meal celebrations during Lent, but anticipate we will live-stream those special services also.

This picture does not represent our sanctuary. We are still maintaining social distancing, refraining from hugging or even shaking hands. And wearing masks out of love for those around us. And broadcasting the service live into the parking lot for those who prefer to remain in the safety of their own car. You are invited to join us, every Sunday at 9am.

What did it look like when you studied it?  When was the last time you looked at it?  Don’t panic – you don’t need to go looking to find it to review.  For the next few weeks, on Wednesdays we’re going to be looking at the fundamentals of our Christian faith as Lutherans. The bulletins and videos for this series will be posted on our website on Wednesdays (even after we’re able to resume meeting together).  Please join us, and invite a friend.