A Step Back in Time

Lorenzo and I (Kay) spent a month in Medellín, Colombia where Lorenzo was teaching Seminary classes. We had not “lived” in Colombia for 20+ years. Our apartment was in the heart of downtown where literally thousands of people pass by every day. I’d forgotten how big Medellín is, the street people, the vendors, and how rapidly the people speak. I had not forgotten how beautiful and warm the Colombian people are.

Street Vendors

I had not forgotten our Colombian church, La Santísima Trinidad, the warmth and welcoming people, and even some familiar faces. What joy for us to spend a great deal of our time with them, to hear and see so many sing praises to our God, and to share the Lord’s Supper with them. It was refreshing to see how they all work together in God’s kingdom, and share the Gospel with others.

Congregation Members

Life seems a little bit better for the Colombian people than before. By their smiles and happy dispositions, you wouldn’t even know if they had a problem. I am thankful for having the opportunity to take that step back in time.

Worship Conference

The WELS National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts has been held every three years since 1996 and has become the largest conference in the US focused on worship themes--not just of Lutherans, but of all Protestant denominations.  This year was no exception with over 1000 people participating. I had the opportunity to attend this year, July 19-22, and was not disappointed.

The general focus of the conference was on "passing the torch to the next generation" and that fit nicely with my role as liturgy/worship professor.  I attended workshops on Worship Education, Enhancing the Liturgical Year, Church Design for Worship and Outreach, and Freshness and Variety in Proclaiming Law and Gospel.  I enjoyed visiting with others who share my desire to offer God our best as we declare his praises.  Above all, I was strengthened and built up as more than 1000 fellow believers joined together for five worship services (focusing on Holy Week and the Easter season) and two concerts during the four days of the conference, at all times keeping the focus on God's Word and the Sacraments and telling what great things the Lord has done to save us.

Having experienced just "a little foretaste of heaven," I am refreshed.  Now I look forward to passing the torch of excellence in worship to the men training to be leaders of worship in Latin America.

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.  One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.  --Psalm 145:3-4 

Photo provided by WELS Communication Services.