Oktoberfest and Gottesdienst Central

Note: Various impediments (parochial, familial, financial, spacial, and temporal) will sadly stand in my way of attending this event. I am really bummed out about it. The Rev. Dr. David Scaer is a treasure of American Lutheranism, and I had the honor not only to study with the good (and ballistic) reverend father in many classes (both officially and unofficially), but I also wrote my M.Div. thesis for him.

If you can make it to this event, I urge you to go - not only for Dr. Scaer, but for the entire experience and fellowship with the men who both run and read Gottesdienst - the world's leading journal of Lutheran liturgy. I guarantee that you will learn a lot, will be edified by the Word and Sacrament, and will enjoy yourself. And if you don't engage in a hearty belly laugh at least two dozen times during a Scaer lecture, you have lost your soul and have ceased being human. Put on your seatbelt, hold on, and enjoy the ride. "Praise the Lord, guy!"

Not only will Dr. Scaer lecture and introduce his new book, there will be a reverent celebration of the Mass, a Choral Vespers, bratwurst and beer, and Rev. Dr. Burnell Eckardt will lead a "

discussion and hands-on workshop on matters pertaining to the ceremonies of the Lutheran Mass" - all in three days!

Anyway, below is the announcement. Go if you are able! And whether you go or not, be sure to subscribe to the print edition of Gottesdienst and read (the free) Gottesdienst Online.

+HW

Announcing the Fifteenth Annual
Oktoberfest and Gottesdienst Central

With Dr. David P. Scaer

at St. Paul's Evangelical-Lutheran Church
Kewanee, Illinois
October 10-12, 2010 (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday)

Conference theme:
Liturgy, Church, Ministry: Some Afterthoughts

This year we are pleased to welcome as our guest the Rev. Dr. David P. Scaer, Professor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Dr. Scaer has made his mark among the foremost confessional Lutheran scholars of the 20th and 21st century, and has taught and mentored a generation of pastors. A prolific writer, he has been in the vanguard for confessional thinking on the topics he will be addressing for us. We are honored to have him return to St. Paul's to address our conference.

Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m. is our Autumn Choral Vespers, followed by our annual bratwurst banquet (if you haven't had our award-winning Sheboygan brats, it's high time you did!). On Monday morning, following Holy Mass at 9:30, the Gottesdienst Central seminar will feature Dr. Scaer and run until 3:15 p.m.

On Tuesday, St. Paul's Pastor Burnell Eckardt will lead a discussion and hands-on workshop on matters pertaining to the ceremonies of the Lutheran Mass, and will highlight the content of his new book, The New Testament in His Blood: A Study of the Holy Liturgy of the Christian Church, which will be available for purchase at the conference.

Join us for "Gottesdienst Central," our annual liturgical and theological seminar.

Lodging: AmericInn, 4823 US Hwy 34. 800-634-3444 (rooms set aside: let them know it is for Oktoberfest)
Super 8 Motel, 901 S Tenney (Rt 78). 309-853-8800
Aunt Daisyís B&B, 223 W Central Blvd. 888-422-4148
Kewanee Motor Lodge, 400 S Main St. 309-853-4000
Days Inn, I-80 & Rt 40, Sheffield. 815-454-2361
Holiday Inn Express, I-80 & Rt 78, Annawan. 309-935-6565

REGISTRATION: $25 per person (students $20) $40 per couple -- includes Sunday banquet and Monday continental and luncheon; no charge for children with parents.

To register, please call 309-852-2461 and leave your registration information (name[s] and address) or log on at http://www.liturgyseminar.blogspot.com where you will may register by email, with the option of using PayPal with an account or a major credit card. Or you may pay the registration fee when you arrive. Please register ahead, even if you choose to pay when you arrive.