English-Speaking

United Methodist Church of Vienna April 2018

Easter Greetings By Bishop Ivan Abrahams I greet you in the name of our Crucified and Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Easter is about boundless grace, victory, joy and renewed hope. It is a divine proclamation of God’s decisive victory over the evil forces of sin and death. Easter is an announcement to the world that the cross of Jesus was a victory, not a defeat. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, death is de-scribed as, “The road from which no traveler has ever returned.” (Hamlet Act 3 Scene 1) He was wrong because we believe that one did return and his name is Jesus, the Christ. For this reason, the words hopeless and impossible lose its meaning. The story of Jesus would have been nothing more than an occasional point of reference of an inspi-rational teacher, a charismatic figure or a martyr if it had simply ended with the crucifixion, but Jesus defeated death and rose from the grave on the third day. We are the people of the resurrec-tion and can affirm with the writer of Romans and Christians throughout the centuries that; “God raised Jesus from the dead.” (Romans 4:24) We are a people who know that we cannot have Easter without Good Friday. We cannot have Christ without the cross, a symbol of a compas-sionate, loving God who identifies with human suffering. The cross is God’s instrument of salva-tion. No other faith speaks of a suffering God who

opposes injustice and oppression. Theologians like Jürgen Moltmann (The Crucified God), James Cone (God of the Oppressed), Kazoh Kitamori (The Pain of God), Maria Pilar Aquino (Our Cry for Life) Mercy Odduyoye (Beads and Strands), Choan Sen Song (The Compassionate God and Je-sus, the Crucified People) and Allan Boesak (Farewell to Innocence) all lived through their own modern-day Golgothas in their various countries and bring their unique perspectives of the suffer-ing God. Their scholarship questions the concept of Divine Impassibility. They bear eloquent testi-mony to a God who shows compassion and loving solidarity with all who suffer. They point out that God remains intimate with those who suffer and is the hope of the world. During Eastertide, it is my hope and prayer that all who are anxious and fearful of life circumstances will experience the presence of the Risen Lord and hear the words spoken to the women at the tomb, “Do not be afraid.” Bishop Ivan Abrahams is the general secretary of the World Methodist Council since 2012. Abrahams served as the presiding bishop of the Methodist Church in Southern Africa from 2003-2012. The World Methodist Council is a worldwide associa-tion of 80 Methodist, Wesleyan and related Uniting Churches representing over 51 million people.

Pastor Matthew telling the children about Jesus‘ resurrection on Easter Sunday, April 1. Photo by David Lee.

The Easter cross is made from the trunk of the Christmas tree and decorated with flowers during the Easter service

on April 1. Photo by Matthew A. Lafery.

Past Happenings and Community News

PPR Announces Summer Pastor Pastor-Parish Relations chairperson Paulina Analena is pleased to announce that the Reverend Dr. Tom M. Garrison will be ESUMC’s summer pastor. Pastor Tom will serve as our temporary pastor during June, July, and Au-gust. As a Methodist missionary Pastor Matthew is respon-sible to share mission stories, teach mission theology, and raise funds for mission service three months every three years. The last time he itinerated was in the summer of 2015 before he started at ESUMC. Pastor Tom is a native of Alabama (USA) and recently retired to Vienna. His wife—the former Renate Hainberger—is a native of Vienna. Reverend Garrison was ordained in 1985 and holds ordained standing in both the United Church of Christ (USA) and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Throughout his career he has served churches in several American states and in Nova Scotia, Canada. His last appointment was in Beavercreek, Ohio, USA. He was educated at Auburn University and Amridge University (Turner School of Theology). He received his doctorate from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Pastor Tom has preached many times at ESUMC and recently led our Lenten Bible study. Pastor Tom will preach, lead worship, provide pastoral care, assist with Vacation Bible School, and oversee the ministry of ESUMC while Pastor Matthew is away. Pastor Matthew will be away from June 11 through September 1.

Talent Show Was Success The annual ESUMC talent was a success. The show was Saturday, Feb. 24. Over 15 different acts were presented during the 1.5 hour performance. The acts ranged from singing, dancing, theater, come-dy, and instrumental performance. The annual talent show is organized by Marilyn Brandl. Thank you Marilyn for your work!

New Members ESUMC welcomed Abena (Abi) Stanic and Andre Dimailig as new professing members on April 1. God’s blessing on our new members!

Birth Announcement Congratulations to Elisangela and Ricardo Valente on the birth of their daughter Lara do Santos Valente on March 15. She is 3830g and 57 cm. All are reported to be in good health.

Farewells ESUMC said goodbye to several wonderful friends and members of our congregation recently.

The Totolin-Kang family departed ESUMC on 24 December. Vladimir, April, and Victoria moved to Manheim, Germany, for Vladimir’s new job.

Jackalie Blue and Andy Tompkins said goodbye on 29 January. The couple re-turned to the United States where they are temporarily residing in Atlanta. Andy was seconded to the IAEA by the U.S. government and his term finished.

Baptisms Link Lachner was baptized on 28 January. He is the son of Sonja Spielhofer and Nico Lachner. Zion Llyods was baptized on 11 March. Zion is the son of Roy and Joy Lloyds. Sigrid Anusie and Pastor Matthew are the godparents.

The Reverend Dr. Tom M. Garrison speaking at the 2017 ESUMC Harvet Festival in October 2017.

Photo by Ken Fife.

ESUMC youth pictured with Rev. Seth Adzokatze (center with black robe) from the Ghanaian Protestant Church after after a visit to his Simmering congregation on 25

February 2018. During Lent ESUMC youth visited various Christian churches in Vienna.

ESUMC Participates in European Mtg. ESUMC members Doreen Ighama and Oscar van Rooy along with Pastor Matthew participated in the annual European Methodist seminar on migrant ministry. The conference was held 28 January through 1 February 2018 in Braunfels, Germany. The focus of the 2018 meeting was Christian unity with a focus on how to work through conflict. Workshop leaders and present-ers included Bishop Earl Bledsoe from the United Methodist diversity agency, Dr. Francesca Nuzzolese from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Dr. David Fields from the Methodist e-Acedmy, and Bishop Nathan Samwimi from the Methodist Church Ghana. The meeting was organized by The United Methodist Chruch in Germany.

Wärmestube Season Finished The joint ESUMC-Fünfhaus UMC Wärmestube (winter daytime shelter program) closed for the season. Our program is open every Tuesday from December through March. The church was open 17 times during this year’s season, serving 1,667 guests. 2017-2018 was our busiest season yet with an average of 99 guests every Tues-day. Members from both congrega-tions participate in the project by praying for the program, donating supplies and food, volunteering time, and assisting with setup and take down. We work with a network of congregations through Caritas to en-sure there is a warm place open every day during winter’s cold months. The

joint project was initiated for the two congregations to be more involved in

our community and to share God’s love through service. Van Rooy Receives Lay Ministry Training ESUMC church council chairperson Oscar van Rooy completed basic training in lay servant min-istries. Lay servants are to serve the congregation in any way in which their witness or leadership and service inspires the laity to deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship. Van Rooy received training in the interpretation of Scriputres and church doctrine, preaching, organization, and leadership. He completed the course while attending the European meeting on migrant ministry in Braunfels, Germany from 28 January through 1 February 2018.

Looking Ahead

Our Wärmestube volunteers after our last session for the year on 27 March 208. Photo by Stefan Schröckenfuchs.

Fellowship Breakfast is April 7 The next Fellowship Breakfast is Saturday, April 7 at 09:00. ESUMC member Martin Schulzer will present on “Archaeological Israel”; the talk will cover his recent archaeological trip to Israel/Palestine. The May 5 Fellowship Breakfast will be led by Emmanuel Antwi on African drumming.

Women‘s Fellowship Meets April 21 It's spring and time for "spring cleaning"! Whether it's an annual tradition for you to straighten your home and life or not, join us for the next Women‘s Fellowship on Saturday, April 21 from 18:00-20:00. Please bring a dish to share. We'll be talking about the spiritual discipline of simplicity: what is it and what does it look like in our lives as Christians? If you need child care, please contact Rachel Allen at allenrachelf@gmail.com.

Wednesday Bible Study The new Wednesday evening study will resume on Wednesday, 11 April at 18:30. Pastor Matthew will be teaching on the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. The study begins with a light supper. Email the church office with questions.

Special Study on Old Testament ESUMC is sponsoring a special 3-session study entitled “An Introduction to the Old Testament”. Pastor Martin Schulzer will teach the study. The study will cover Old Testament literature and themes, history and archaeology, and ancient Near Eastern context. The sessions will be April 27, May 18, and June 1 from 18:00-21:00. The Scherer family will host the study at their home at Reihergraben 18, A-3400 Klosterneuburg. A light meal will be served before the study session.

Music Sunday is April 15 Music Sunday is Sunday, April 15. All ESUMC choirs will sing during worship. The theme is the “Joy of Singing”.

Notice of Rescheduled Annual Mtg The ESUMC annual congregational meeting (charge conference) will be Saturday, April 28 at 10:00 in the ESUMC fellowship area. The charge conference will receive ministry reports, elect 2018-2019 church leaders, adopt the church budget, set goals, and receive the financial audit. Professing members may vote at the meeting.

Last year in the April 2017 newsletter, I wrote about fasting. It was Lent and time when the Church discusses fasting. Fasting—the practice of reducing or abstaining from food or other items—has been a long tradition in the Church. Fasting is physical self-emptying in the way of the cross. As Jesus emptied himself on the cross so the world may believe, we too empty ourselves through fasting to open our hearts to God. Our Methodist founder John Wesley described fasting as a part of the ‘means of grace’— a discipline in which we receive God’s saving love. Yet, fasting seems to be a spiritual practice which has fallen into disuse. Certainly I know there are several people in our congregation who regularly practice fasting. Maybe our consumeristic and on-demand lifestyles push out any thought of giving up time, food, or energy from their normal uses. Where to Start? Like any new exercise routine you need to be aware of your body and spirit. Fasting from food should not be practiced at the expense of your health. Nor is Biblical fasting about shedding those pounds gained during Vienna’s winter months. Fasting (food or otherwise) is a spiritual practice which aids us in cleansing ourselves and growing closer to God. Check your reasons for fasting. Jesus’ exhortation reminds us “whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18 NRSV) The examples of fasting in the Bible are abstaining from food. In times of joy and sorrow and of peace and conflict, the people of God throughout the Old and New Testaments gave up food in their pursuit of God’s holiness and righteousness. This principle of fasting from food is germaine today as it was in the time of Moses. Additionally, our societies have grown in wealth and leisure-time. For most of us food is not a

scarce commodity. We have become acutely aware how our consumption of television, sport, social media and the Internet, and many others occupy greater parts of our lives than 100 years. Our crowded lives are even more crowded, challenging our time and energy for seeking meaningful encounters with God. Fasting in the 21st century should include abstaining from goods or services which are a regular part of our lives beyond food. As you start to think about fasting, you need to decide if your fasting discipline will focus on abstaining from food or abstaining from social media, sex, particular events, or other services. Fasting and Prayer Biblical fasting is always linked to prayer. We do not fast for the sake of not eating for a few hours or forgoing binge watching Nexflix. Rather, fasting allows us to focus on lives on God and listen to the Holy Spirit. We empty ourselves of food so we can fill ourselves with God through prayer. When you fast, take time to pray. Ask God for strength and guidance. Listen then listen some more. How to start If you have not fasted, pick a day to try. Consult your doctor about any health issues or risks. The Church has often encouraged people to fast on Friday as a reminder of Jesus’ death on the cross. But you are free to choose another day. Decide how long your fast will last. You can start with skipping lunch on Friday. Make sure you drink plenty of water. John Wesley fasted every week from sundown on Thursday evening until 15:00 on Friday. Over time you may try abstaining from certain foods (meat, anything with added sugar, alcohol) or drinking only liquid (no solid food) for a certain period in one day. Find a fasting regime which works for you. God’s blessings be with you as you rediscover fasting and renew your relationship with God. The Rev. Matthew A. Laferty is the pastor of the English-Speaking United Methodist Church of Vienna. His favorite ice cream flavor is mint choco-late chip which is sadly not available in Austria.

English-Speaking United Methodist Church of Vienna

Sechshauser Strasse 56, 1150 Wien • office@esumc.at • +43 1 895 81 75 • www.esumc.at

Reverend Matthew A. Laferty • +43 664 466 94 75 mobile • matthew.laferty@emk.at

Donations accepted at www.esumc.at/give • IBAN: AT23 1200 0006 2016 1208/BIC Code: BKAUATWW

The Fast that I Choose….Again By the Reverend Matthew A. Laferty “Fasting gives birth to prophets and strengthens the powerful; fasting makes lawgivers wise. Fasting is a good safeguard for the soul, a steadfast companion for the body, a weapon for the valiant, and a gymnasium for athletes. Fasting repels temptations, anoints unto piety; it is the comrade of watchfulness and the artificer of chastity. In war it fights bravely, in peace it teaches stillness.” – Saint Basil the Great (330-379)

Christ is risen! Christus ist auferstanden! Христос воскрес! キリストは復活した! Easter Sunday, 1 April 2018

“When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. “ Mark 16:1-8 (NRSV)

Photos by David Lee

“The best thing of

all is God is with

us.“

John Wesley