Purely God's Word

"The pure preaching of God's word. That's what creates the church, and that's what holds the church together," said the Rev. Wayne Schwiesow. This, he asserted, is precisely the key to the longevity of Zion Lutheran Church in Gordonville, the church he has pastored for more than 17 years.

The congregation is commemorating its 150th anniversary this year, and members and guests will reflect on the church's history and purpose in an Aug. 9 celebration, that will feature Dr. John Wohlrabe, second vice president of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and a retired U.S. Navy chaplain. The church building is also having a celebration of sorts, celebrating its centennial. The current building was erected "on the 50th anniversary, in 1915," across the street from the original building.

But the celebration in August will shine a light on 150 years the congregation has been in existence. Schwiesow said nonmembers, as well as members, are welcome. The worship service will be followed by a potluck dinner, and members will provide the food. Guests will participate free of charge and are not expected to bring food.

"Bring yourselves," said the pastor.

To showcase the church's journey, Zion will display historical photographs and records before and after the celebration service.

Pastor Schwiesow of the Zion Lutheran Church, poses for a photo in front of the church's 1904 Hinner's Tracker organ, on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. (CAROL KELLISON)

Part of the history that will be shared, no doubt, is its founding in early 1865 by Lutheran farmers in the area. They created a constitution and purchased a three-acre tract from Samuel Nussbaum.

Schwiesow described the church as diverse, which may account for its long-standing relevance. The congregation includes "people all the way from about 96 years old all the way down to 2 years old," he said. Also, Zion offers a little something for everyone, with a vocal choir and a handbell choir, both of which will provide music during the potluck. The church also has a youth group and a ladies auxiliary. The auxiliary, he stated, "is a very active group," adding that "they pretty much have been organizing the whole celebration."

One aspect of the celebration will unfold at Christmas. Special decorations, called chrismons, will highlight the church tree. Describing them, the pastor said, "They're various Christian symbols. They're styrofoams cut out into shapes of Christian symbols: different forms of crosses, the fish, the triumphant lamb carrying a banner, representing the risen Christ. When they are finished, they are absolutely beautiful." It's possible some of the chrismons will be on display for the 150th anniversary celebration, but they will definitely decorate the tree during the Christmas season.

"Anyone is always welcome to come to church," where they will be able to see and appreciate them, he said.

Every church has its calling, as does Zion Lutheran.

Pastor Schwiesow of the Zion Lutheran Church, poses for a photo inside the church's sanctuary on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. (CAROL KELLISON)

The pastor said, "What has always been important for this congregation is a document that was produced in 1530 by the Lutheran Reformers, and it was called the Augsburg Confession. It was a very important document in the foundation of what we call the Lutheran Church today. People risked their lives to make that confession."

To explain, he said that when people made that confession to Emperor Charles V, emperor of the Roman Empire, which included Germany, they knew what they were facing, and he likened it to current-day terrorism. It was like "facing the same thing as ISIS these days. ... If the emperor had chosen to put them to death for that confession, he could have and would have."

Nonetheless, they wanted to be faithful to their teaching of the unaltered Augsburg Confession. One historical piece people may see at the celebration is on the church's cornerstone, which reads, "UAC," standing for the Unaltered Augsburg Confession. With that church cornerstone, all those years ago, they made a statement about their foundation: They would not be moved from their confession of faith.

Schwiesow, having pastored at the church for almost two decades, knows the joys and challenges of overseeing a congregation, and he loves being its minister.

"As a pastor, you're here to bring people to Christ and strengthen the faith of those already there. ... A pastor is a shepherd, and a shepherd loves the sheep. These are wonderful people. This is a great group of people to be able to serve, and I just love doing it," he said.

Pastor Schwiesow of the Zion Lutheran Church, poses for a photo inside the church's sanctuary on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. (CAROL KELLISON)

The celebration service will take place at 10:15 a.m. on Aug. 9.

Relevant address: Zion Lutheran Church, 176 Country Rd 226, Gordonville, MO, 63752