If you weren't in Kewanee this past Sunday, Monday, and/or Tuesday, then I am sad to tell you that you missed the Best Octoberfest Ever. It's hard to summarize two hours of conversation, four hours of presentation, and a sermon from Prof. Scaer - but he brought the house down. The main attraction at Octoberfest is really the gathering of good pastors - what an encouragement to drink a beer and converse with these guys! Next year, do what it takes to get to Kewanee. And watch for more regional gatherings. . .especially in the Kansas City area.
Finally, like all the sermons in the back of CJ, this Octoberfest had Three Main Points.
* The liturgically minded Gottesdienst Crowd (tm), to a man, marry far above their station.
* That new guy from Iowa East with a buzz cut is a MENSCH.
+HRC
Fr Curtis is right. In my estimation it was the best Oktoberfest we have ever had. And that is saying a lot, because they have all been good.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, not only is Kansas City in the works for a regional gathering, but Detroit, and possibly Oakland, California. Stay tuned.
Will Prof. Scaer's presentation be published?
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read the whole sermon. This -"Serve the congregation for the sake of Christ, not Christ for the sake of the congregation"- especially caught my eye. Any particular context there?
ReplyDeleteFr. Eckardt,
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting another great conference. Glad to hear that Detroit is being considered for a future regional gathering and hopeful that it will come to pass.
Oh, and kudos on the new book, which is simply outstanding! I read through it last night and you have given me much to ponder for some time.
Dr. Scaer: "That's why I dislike Lutheranism! It's just a parlor game."
Gotta love it! :)
Dr. Heidenreich,
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't think it will. I think Fr. Eckardt always records them - so maybe there will be a recording available?
Marinus,
That quotation came from one of his presentations. It was in the context of the pastor not being a hired hand. One has to serve Christ - and Christ wants you to serve the congregation by leading them into all truth.
+HRC